BGSU Firelands dean brings decades of higher education experience to new role

Dr. Allia L. Carter has a proven record of success in growing enrollment and accessibility at colleges and universities nationwide

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

Bowling Green State University alumna Dr. Allia L. Carter has a long and storied history in higher education, beginning at 15 when she enrolled in college en route to a career that has now spanned three decades.

When her peers were starting their junior year in high school, Carter moved about an hour from her home in Detroit to attend college and eventually earned a bachelor's degree at 19.

Although her initial plan was to attend medical school, a spontaneous trip to an educational conference set Carter on a path to becoming an impactful leader in higher education, driving enrollment and accessibility at colleges and universities across the country.

Her journey also included earning a doctorate in higher education administration at BGSU, where she is now returning to serve as the new dean of BGSU Firelands in Huron, Ohio.  

"I'm thrilled to be joining the BGSU Firelands learning community at such a crucial time in higher education when we're looking at how to reinvent regional campuses across the state to ensure they provide affordable and accessible education to learners of all ages," Carter said.

"I plan to continue building on BGSU Firelands' long tradition of meeting students where they are to ensure they can pursue their educational goals at all stages of life through our robust offerings on campus, online and through hybrid programs."

As dean, Carter will work with BGSU Firelands faculty, staff and students to ensure the Huron campus continues to offer learners of all ages accessible, relevant academic programs that meet workforce needs in the region and beyond.

Along with bolstering the academic mission of BGSU Firelands, Carter will collaborate with regional economic and government leadership to forge innovative partnerships that embrace Huron campus resources to drive student success, entrepreneurial programs, workforce development and skilled training for local industries.

"Dr. Carter has a wealth of knowledge and experience in driving higher education forward. I am confident she will bolster student success, teaching quality, research and creative activities at BGSU Firelands," said Dr. Joe B. Whitehead Jr., provost and senior vice president at BGSU.

Foreshadowing where her career would eventually lead, Carter's doctoral dissertation at the University focused on early college initiatives, now known as College Credit Plus, a core initiative at BGSU Firelands to enhance students' college and career readiness.

Some of Carter's most profound achievements in higher education center on bridging the pipeline from high school to college.

At Georgia College and State University, she founded an academy to successfully prepare males and underprepared high school students for college. Carter also established the institution's first Women's Center and has been pivotal in shaping the undergraduate experiences of students at numerous institutions by fostering an inclusive and supportive culture.

Carter is an advocate for lifelong learning, a sentiment she embraces. Already having earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, Carter is nearing the completion of her second master's degree in business administration with a focus on finance.

"A degree in higher education is not just a credential; it is a powerful tool that opens doors to endless opportunities and empowers individuals to transform their lives, families and communities," she said.

Before joining BGSU Firelands, Carter served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Virginia Union University. Under her leadership, the university experienced significant gains in student enrollment, retention and persistence.

Her leadership has been pivotal in developing strategic plans, advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and improving the experience of students, faculty and staff members.