[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S88]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DR. MICHAEL CARTER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, for more than two decades, my friend 
Dr. Michael Carter has made Campbellsville University an oasis where 
students can answer their calling. Nestled in the heart of Taylor 
County, CU offers quality Christian higher education to thousands of 
future leaders. As the school's president, Michael accomplished one 
remarkable goal after another. He also set the university on a path 
toward long-term success. At the end of last year, Michael began a 
richly-earned retirement leaving behind a grateful university 
community. I would like to take a moment today to recognize my friend 
for his servant leadership and his lasting impact in Kentucky and 
beyond.
  According to CU's board chair, Michael's leadership ``forever 
transformed'' the century-old school. I couldn't agree more. When 
Michael came to campus in 1999, the university was home to around 1,600 
students and 74 full-time faculty. His tenure has seen the CU family 
grow to include more than 13,500 students and a record-setting freshman 
class despite the coronavirus pandemic. CU recently graduated its first 
class of Ph.D. students, marking a major milestone for the school's 
academic excellence. He also nearly tripled the faculty ranks with 
leading scholars and dedicated educators.
  To accommodate the new students and faculty, Michael undertook an 
ambitious plan to grow CU's physical footprint. That plan--like 
everything at CU--was centered on faith. Michael embarked on the 
construction of a landmark chapel anchoring the entire community in its 
mission. Then, under the steeple of the new Ransdell Chapel, the growth 
has continued to surpass expectations.
  CU's expansion wasn't limited to the city of Campbellsville, either. 
Michael oversaw the opening of eight additional centers of learning in 
Kentucky and around the country. The university was even approved for a 
new international arm in Ontario. Today, CU properties account for 1.1 
million square feet, giving it the ability to serve current students 
with plenty of space to expand its reach.
  In each of my visits to the school, I have been impressed by the 
remarkable development under Michael's leadership. From its 850 student 
athletes to a $137 million economic impact in Taylor County, Michael 
has helped CU reach previously unbelievable heights. With the rest of 
his all-star leadership team, including my friend Dr. John Chowning, 
Michael drove the school's growth while keeping focus on an unmatched 
student experience.
  When CU bid farewell to its president, the community also said 
goodbye to its consequential first lady. Debbie Carter has a long list 
of accomplishments in her own right. She took a leadership role in 
securing a national accreditation for CU's Carver School of Social 
Work. She was also a driving force to create pathways for students with 
financial needs to attend CU. Michael and Debbie made an incredible 
team that changed this university and our Commonwealth for years to 
come.
  Whatever the future holds in store for Michael and Debbie, I would 
like to wish them the very best. They leave office with the sincere 
gratitude of a university community made better by two decades of 
devotion. I encourage my Senate colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. 
Michael Carter for his leadership at Campbellsville University.

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