Science Building at Eastern Connecticut State University Named to Honor Trailblazing Educator Dr. David G. Carter

Eastern Connecticut State University honored one of its most notable champions when it named the Science Building on campus after David G. Carter Sr., the University’s fifth president. Serving as Eastern’s president from 1988 to 2006, Carter was the first African American to lead a four-year institution of higher education in Connecticut and in New England when he was appointed as president. Carter retired in 2011 as chancellor of the Connecticut State University System and passed away in March 2018.

During Carter’s 18-year tenure, Eastern’s degree offerings grew, its enrollments increased by 40 percent, and the campus footprint doubled. Carter was most proud of the day in 1998 when the Connecticut State University Board of Trustees designated Eastern as “Connecticut's Public Liberal Arts University,” the university’s website points out.

The Board of Regents for Higher Education unanimously approved a resolution in June 2021 naming the Science Building at Eastern for Dr. Carter, noting that Eastern was “transformed academically and physically into an accessible institution of higher learning offering a quality education for a diverse body of students” under his leadership.  The official resolution described him as “an African American man from humble beginnings who grew up to become one of the most consequential University Presidents in Eastern Connecticut State University history, whose life of service is an inspiration.”

Carter was instrumental in gaining state funding to significantly develop Eastern’s facilities. In addition to the state-of-the-art Science Building, other modern facilities constructed during Carter’s tenure as president included the J. Eugene Smith Library, the Child Family Development Resource Center, Gelsi-Young Hall, a new Public Safety Building, the South Residential Village, and the Mansfield Sports Complex, among others. The entrance to the campus was transformed, and the iconic clocktower, which is seen in the university’s logo to this day, was constructed just steps from the new library.

In 2006, Carter became the chancellor of the Connecticut State University System, a position he held until his retirement in 2011.  During his five years as chancellor, Carter led the four-university system through an expansion of academic offerings, student services, and campus development. In his final year as chancellor in 2011, CSUS reached an all-time high of 36,629 students at its universities, while his successful advocacy of the four universities among legislators resulted in a $950 million commitment to upgrade the campuses over a 10-year period.

Among those urging support for the Science Building naming honoring Dr. Carter was former Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who wrote that “His love of education and his respect for his students are well known,” adding that has advocacy for academic building “projects transformed the campus at Eastern into the world class campus that it is today!  We will forever be in his debt.” 

Lieutentant Governor Susan Bysiewicz wrote that “Dr. Carter led a trailblazing career as an accomplished educator and administrator earning the respect of his colleagues and students. He was committed to ensuring all students would receive a quality and accessible college and academic experience. Connecticut is better off because of his efforts and effectiveness in partnering with the state government and business community. Our state owes our gratitude to Dr. Carter.”

More than 100 guests joined Eastern President Elsa Núñez in the Betty R. Tipton Room in the Student Center last month to recognize Carter’s leadership and contributions to Eastern. Hundreds more watched the event via a live YouTube stream. Núñez described Carter as “a genius” in her remarks during the naming ceremony, citing Eastern’s Institute of Sustainable Energy as an example of an idea ahead of its time. “The Science Building is the cornerstone of his legacy” and “a testament to his strength of will.”

Applauding his “innovative vision and inspirational spirit,” Theresa Hopkin-Staten, co-chair of the citizen’s committee that advocated for the Science Building naming, said Carter “saw the intrinsic value in every person . . . he led with empathy and perspective, with authentic consideration and care for everyone in his charge.” Former Connecticut Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper Jr. recalled Carter as “brilliant, compassionate, and visionary man,” who had “an amazing and distinguished professional career.”

Opening in fall 2008, the 174,000-square-foot Science Building is the largest facility on campus. Its five stories include general-purpose classrooms, laboratories and lecture halls to support the Biology, Environmental Earth Science, Physical Science, Mathematical Science, Health Sciences and Computer Sciences departments. The building consolidates all science disciplines and classes from seven buildings into one facility.

Enrollment in science majors increased more than 50 percent in the first two years of the building’s existence and continue to be strong. In addition to students enrolled in science majors, the building offers classes to all Eastern students; as part of the University’s liberal arts core curriculum, each student must take science and mathematics courses.

Retired Biology professor Martin Levin recalled that when Carter came to Eastern in 1988, the University had endured more than a decade of legislative pressure to close the campus and merge it with the University of Connecticut. “He was a man on a mission with a strong and persuasive voice. He was committed to transforming Eastern into a world-class liberal arts university.” 

John Motley, who served on the Board of Trustees during Carters tenure as system chancellor, wrote that “Dr. Carter was one of the most eloquent and inspirational leaders I've ever known.” Before becoming chancellor, Carter earned the NAACP Roy Wilkins Civil Rights Award, the Outstanding Service and Leadership in Enhancing International Education Award, and the Americanism Award from the Connecticut American Legion. He began his career as a teacher, principal and administrator at public schools in Ohio, then spent four years on the faculty in the College of Education at Pennsylvania State University. He next joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut where he served as associate vice president for academic affairs, associate dean in the School of Education, and professor of educational administration.

Larry McHugh, who chaired the Board during Carter’s tenure leading Eastern and the university system, and later chaired the Board of Trustees at the University of Connecticut, wrote that “Dr. David Carter was not only an outstanding educator, but more importantly, a man dedicated to giving every student a chance, he never gave up on anyone.  His commitment touched the lives of thousands, making all the difference in their lives.”