Mary Carter firmly believes her Newman University education gave her the foundation for building a successful career in Catholic education.
“It was one of those things where I was immersed in the Catholic faith, but also surrounded by a phenomenal staff of professors who are passionate about what they did,” she said. “And there was no way you couldn’t just tap into that passion.”
A passion for education
The 2002 Master of Science in Education graduate has spent more than 25 years as an educator. After being a teacher for some time, Carter felt called to principalship and wanted to pursue a graduate-level degree. She knew about Newman, arranged a tour and fell in love with the campus and the education program.
Carter is now the principal at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Wichita. While at Newman, she grew professionally and was surrounded by service-minded people who inspired her to help others.
Carter also learned how to apply her classroom skills on a greater level and discovered that her love of education — which she’s held since childhood — could be elevated.
“I was one of those kids who was passionate about education, and I knew I wanted to be a teacher right from the start,” Carter said. “Going into educational leadership was something I was really kind of coached into. I feel like Newman really helped me and grew me into the person and the professional I am today.”
Commitment to Newman and future generations
In recognition of her successful career and commitment to faith, Carter recently received the 2022 St. Maria De Mattias Award, which is named for the foundress of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. The award honors alumni who display a deep loyalty to Newman and its mission. The award recipient has also given meritorious and continuous support and stewardship to Newman and Catholic life.
Carter said she was “absolutely blown away” to find out she was nominated for the award.
“I just felt like there are so many deserving people,” she said. “There are so many alumni who come through Newman that for me to be chosen was a very humbling experience.”
In a way, Carter said the honor feels as if it also honors all of the educators who have shaped her along the way.
“I’ve been blessed to have many powerful influences who have impacted me greatly,” Carter said in her award acceptance speech. “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do every day or be standing right here without all these people in my life. I’m grateful for each and every one of you, and I’m thankful to Newman for all that it’s given me.”
Carter lives out her passion for education every day and wants to inspire others to find joy in their life, too. She said it’s possible even in the smallest moments and quickest interactions.
“It really is one of those trickle down effects that when you put your passion and your joy into what you’re doing, it overflows into others and others and others,” she said. “I see that every day when I get to walk down the hallways and I give kids high fives and they smile and are excited to see me.”
Earn an Education Degree
Our education program trains more teachers than any other private college or university in Kansas.
