Title: Professor Emeritus
Company: Valdosta State University
Location: Valdosta, Georgia, United States
J. Richard Carter Jr., PhD, Professor Emeritus at Valdosta State University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Plant Taxonomy and Systematic Botany.
Dr. Carter has established a distinguished career in plant taxonomy and systematic botany, earning recognition for his expertise and dedication to the field. As a professor emeritus at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, since 2024, he continues to contribute to the academic community, drawing on four decades of professional experience. In this capacity, Dr. Carter remains engaged with students and colleagues, offering guidance and sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise.
Before being named to emeritus status, Dr. Carter served as a professor and herbarium director at Valdosta State University from 1996 to 2024. During this tenure, he was instrumental in developing the university’s herbarium into a vital resource for botanical research and education. His leadership fostered a collaborative environment that encouraged student involvement and advanced the study of regional flora. Dr. Carter’s commitment to student learning and mentorship has been a defining aspect of his career, reflecting his desire to help students maximize their educational experiences.
From 1986 to 1996, Dr. Carter held the position of assistant professor at his alma mater, Mississippi State University, in Starkville. In this role, he contributed to both teaching and research initiatives, honing his expertise in plant taxonomy and systematic botany. Dr. Carter’s earlier appointment as a temporary instructor on campus between 1984 and 1986 provided him with foundational experience in academia, setting the stage for his subsequent achievements.
In addition to his academic appointments, Dr. Carter has played an active role in advancing scientific research through his service on peer review panels for the U.S. National Science Foundation. This involvement highlights his standing within the scientific community and his dedication to upholding rigorous research standards.
Dr. Carter’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in zoology from Mississippi State University in 1975, followed by a Master of Science in botany in 1978. He later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in biology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1984. These academic achievements provided Dr. Carter with a strong foundation for his subsequent career accomplishments.
Reflecting Dr. Carter’s leadership and influence within the botanical sciences, he was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society of London in 2016. He also serves as the president of the Society of Herbarium Curators and holds memberships in various organizations, including the American Society of Plant Taxonomists, the International Association of Plant Taxonomy and the International Sedge Society. Additionally, Dr. Carter serves as the secretary-treasurer for the southeastern section of the Botanical Society of America.
Dr. Carter’s scholarly output is substantial, comprising 75 peer-reviewed publications and an equal number of non-peer-reviewed works. His research has significantly advanced knowledge in plant taxonomy and regional flora studies. Dr. Carter also serves on the editorial board of Castanea, the journal of the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, where he contributes to shaping scientific discourse within his discipline.
Among Dr. Carter’s most notable honors is his selection as a Henry Beadel Fellow at Tall Timbers Research Station in 2018. This fellowship has enabled him to collaborate with leading scientists at a prominent fire ecology research facility dedicated to understanding the role of fire in natural ecosystems.
Dr. Carter attributes much of his success to values instilled during his upbringing on a farm in Mississippi. He credits his parents for fostering a strong work ethic and encouraging him to pursue opportunities beyond agriculture, knowing he always had their support. Dr. Carter remains dedicated to completing several ongoing writing projects and research initiatives related to regional flora and sedge taxonomy, areas where he has developed specialized expertise. He takes pride in curating the herbarium at Valdosta State University and is committed to ensuring it remains an invaluable resource for future botanists.
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