A Force for Change

When Carson Carr, Jr. arrived at the University in 1985, the graduation rate for Educational Opportunities Program students was “somewhere around 25 percent,” he recalls. One of the goals he set for himself was to double that. Over each of the last five years, the EOP graduation rate has been 50 percent or better—impressive figures, given that EOP students are considered academically non-admissible and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The University also has one of the highest graduation rates of the 50 EOP programs in the State Univer-sity of New York system.

It is, by Carr’s own admission, one of his greatest success stories, but his impact has been campus-wide, and he has become one of the University’s most respected administrators and a force for change.

“Carson Carr’s very presence enlivens and enlarges the discussion in the room, the programs in the University, and the University in the nation,” said Gloria DeSole, special assistant to the President for Affirmative Action.

Under Carr’s leadership, the University has implemented six new services to help not just EOP students but all students, including an extensive study-group plan, an academic “early warning” program, the Faculty Mentoring Program, a study skills manual, and an independent tutoring program written by Carr and given to every freshman. The 32-page booklet is an easy read on topics such as time management and listening effectively.

For his work with the EOP, Carr recently received a special citation from the State Assembly. Introduced by Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve of Buffalo, creator of the EOP, it said, in part, “Dr. Carson Carr has dedicated decades to the pursuit of higher education and has distinguished himself as a leader in his role as Director of the EOP at Albany.” Carr was also the recipient of a President’s Excellence in Professional Service Award from the University in 1992.

“Carson Carr is a treasure at this University,” said Judy Genshaft, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He is an excellent leader who cares about the success of all his programs. We are very proud that he is part of the University at Albany family.”

Carr, who grew up in Philadelphia, said his interest in higher education stems from being a member of a family of seven on public assistance. “I grew up with a single mother who only had a third-grade education, but who realized the importance of higher education. She encouraged all of us to go to college and become responsible members of the community,” Carr said.

He received his bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in Pennsylvania, his master’s degree from Seton Hall University, and an Ed.D. in educational management from Syracuse University. His reward, Carr says, is watching his students succeed. “Seeing students go on to be successful people and contributing members of society, and letting them know that Albany is a place where they can succeed, is something that I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of.”

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