Southwest Virginia Higher Ed Center

DENNIS CARTER

Radford University Class of ‘01 and Virginia Tech Class of ‘14

Dennis Carter, a graduate of Northwood High School, was the first in his family to attend college.

“This place is the real deal. Without it, I would not be able to accomplish anything that I have been able to accomplish in my career.” After completing his master’s, Dennis went on to earn his doctorate in education leadership and policy study through Virginia Tech, also through the Center. The cohort model provided a supportive network that guided his academic and professional growth. Dennis recently retired from the superintendent position of Smyth County Public Schools, where he was named the Virginia Department of Education's Region VII Superintendent of the Year in 2024. He has been named vice president of strategic partnerships and innovation at Emory & Henry University and will soon join their executive leadership team to lead innovation and educational partnership development for the university. He remains a steadfast advocate for higher education — the very force that helped shape his personal and professional journey.

He began his education at Virginia Highlands Community College before transferring to Emory & Henry College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary English. His passion for education led him to work as an instructional aide, where he specialized in working with students with disabilities. Driven to advance his career, Dennis sought a master’s in educational leadership but knew he would be unable to commute to Radford University while balancing his teaching responsibilities, a one-year-old son, and coaching duties. The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center provided a local solution, enabling Dennis to pursue his master’s degree while staying close to home. "The Higher Ed Center allowed me to pursue my dreams here in my community," Dennis said. "Without it, I would not have been able to accomplish everything I have in my career."

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Great People, Greater Stories

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