Dr. Doris D. Carter was a professor in the Department of History from 1971 to 2012, serving over 40 years. She was a competent and caring instructor and an accomplished historian. She demonstrated her proficiencies as a researcher and writer. She published books, journal articles, book reviews and ancillaries. Among her noteworthy publications are Robert Floyd Kennon: Reform Governor (1998); Charles P. Adams and Grambling State University: The Formative Years (1974).
Dr. Doris Dorcas Carter was a historian, educator, and a real live human soul. She was refreshingly simple.
She loved God, her family, and her job with a quiet passion.
One never had to wonder about what she thought or felt about a situation because she was not shy about expressing herself.
Yet while expressing herself, she displayed the grace and halting charm of a real Southern Lady.
Dr. Carter was a firm and passionate believer in Christ.
On the first day of class it was not uncommon for her to introduce herself as saved, sanctified, and Holy Ghost-filled. Her faith was more than a vocal profession, however. She honored God from day to day.
As a scholar she was second to none having left behind an impressive publication list.
She was also an active member of the Louisiana Historical Association serving as secretary for several years.
She also published numerous articles and book reviews, along with 5 books on North Louisiana History. In 2008, she won the coveted Max Bradbury Award for one of her articles which was selected as the best article of 2007 in the Louisiana Historical Association’s journal.
Dr. Carter was also an impassioned and committed educator. As a sophomore student, she was refused admission to the College of Education on the grounds that her handicap disabled her from teaching.
She chose history as a major, completed her bachelor’s degree from Grambling state University followed by an MA in History from Louisiana Tech University and a Ph. D. from Louisiana State University. She returned to Grambling and disproved her critics’ assertion.
She taught 41 years at her alma mater, the beloved Grambling State University. She left an enormous record and legacy of active scholarship as well as thousands of students who passed under her influence and left Grambling State University changed for the better after having met Dr. Doris D. Carter.
Dr. Douglas Thomas
Assistant Professor of History
The Shining Star
Dr. Doris D. Carter has been promoted to higher ground.
There are and will be lessons untaught, papers not graded and conference hours not attended, but not because she wanted it that way.
At the moment that this teacher, professor, author was summoned by Him, the one who was her Creator and God, all earthly matters ceased.
It was an invitation that none of us can refuse or delay.
Although Dr. Carter had to move on, she left a legacy of inspiration and hope for those who came within her sphere of influence.
We who have been touched by her-whether as a student, colleague or friend-shall always remember her
intelligence, her wisdom and her personality as a “shining star” with positive words which brightened the lives of each of us.
To hear Dr. Carter give a presentation, was to literally witness a transformation, as this small-framed woman took command of the audience through a command of the “King’s English” and superior historical knowledge.
Her scholarship spanned the national arena, the governors of the state of Louisiana and the history of her beloved Grambling State University.
In words and in deeds, Dr. Doris Carter was a shining star as she represented the best of “Dear Ole Grambing.”
Dr. Jimmy McJamerson
Associate Professor of
History, Retired
She wanted us to learn beyond the textbook. It was in her class that I learned the words ‘egress’ and ‘confabulate’ which I love to use in everyday conversation.
Christopher Hill
Senior History major
Dr. Carter was a sweet and acknowledgeable woman. She worked well with students and was serious about her
spirituality.
Danielle Ferguson
Senior History major
I always admired Dr. Carter’s steadfastness for scholarship, and I certainly hope that the university archives her work.
Dr. Evelyn Wynn
Interim dean, College of Arts and Sciences
I will remember Dr. Carter for being passionate about history and devoted to Grambling State University. She was an active member of the Louisiana Historical Society, attended several conferences on her own dime, and published several articles and book reviews. She was a well respected scholar of Southern History. After faculty meetings, we would talk about our experiences as doctoral students at LSU and compared how things had not changed all that much there. She always had an uplifting word and encouraged me as a young scholar. Dr. Carter will be truly missed by the department.
Dr. Roshunda Belton
History Department head