Meet the man charged with overseeing the renovation of the Memorial Student Center and learn why his name is synonymous with Marshall University.
When Tootie Carter graduated from Man High School in 1986, he made the decision to attend Marshall because it was close to his family and friends in Logan County. That decision proved to be serendipitous, not only for Carter, who has never left Marshall since arriving as a freshman 34 years ago, but for the university as well, who gained an employee who has dedicated himself to making sure the Memorial Student Center remains the welcoming “heart of the campus” that is so beloved by students and staff.
“There are a few individuals on campus whose names are synonymous with Marshall University. William ‘Tootie’ Carter is one of those individuals,” said Brandi Jacobs-Jones, Marshall University senior vice president for operations and chief of staff. “Whenever you mention Tootie, people smile. No matter what Tootie is asked to lead or assist with, he does so willingly and competently. He is the epitome of what it means to be a Son of Marshall.”
It is likely no one has a better understanding of the importance of the Memorial Student Center to the Marshall community than Tootie Carter. Starting when he was a student, he has held numerous positions at Marshall, most of which have been located in the Student Center. While he was a student, Carter worked for the bookstore and for the facilities scheduling department. After graduation, he worked for catering and as a full-time conference assistant. As people moved on to new opportunities through the years, Carter had the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities, becoming the student center’s operations coordinator and business manager. In his present role as director of business operations, Carter manages all daily operations in the student center, the bookstore and dining services. He also oversees facilities scheduling for all events held on campus, including events for the community, like weddings, meetings and banquets. And, most recently, he was responsible for overseeing the renovations to the student center.
As director, Carter supervises a new generation of students who work in the student center. The breadth of his work experience gives him a deep understanding of how valuable the work these students do is to the university.
“I respect what goes into setting up a room for an event. I know what it takes to make this building run,” he said. “I can say I understand because I have been there, doing what they do, from top to bottom.”
When he accepted that first job as a student working in the center, Carter clearly happened upon a career path that was the perfect fit for him.
“After 24 years, I still feel fresh and excited about my job,” said Carter. “When you really enjoy what you do, you lose track of time. I don’t want to go anywhere else. Marshall is my home. I plan to retire from here.”
But, as is the case with many students, it took Carter a while to figure out what he wanted to do. He first explored the possibility of becoming a physical therapist before deciding that was not right for him. He then thought he would follow in the footsteps of the numerous members of his family who are educators before deciding teaching was not the right fit, either. His interest in fitness and teaching were not lost, though; in addition to working at Marshall, Carter is a longtime fitness class instructor at Huntington’s YMCA.
Carter credits Marshall for helping him find his path in life.
“I was one of those students who took a while to graduate,” he said. “Marshall is very good in helping you find your way, even if you don’t know yet. I tell students, even if you are having a hard time, you will find what you want to do. If your major does not feel right, you should not do it. As a student, you have several chances to get it right. If something does not work, it is okay.”
Carter said his father, esteemed longtime Man High School football coach Tootie Carter Sr., instilled in him the work ethic that enabled him to rise from student employee to director. He credits his mother with giving him his positive attitude and sense of humor. He remains close to his family and, just as he did when he was a freshman, appreciates that he lives close enough to make the trip to Logan County easily. Just like his father, who at the age of 77 is still working as a substitute teacher and middle-school football coach, Carter said he plans to continue to stay active and serve his community for many decades to come.
Carter said no accomplishment in his time at Marshall can compare with the pride he feels in the student center renovations.
“I never imagined that I would one day be involved in renovating the Memorial Student Center from start to finish. It is an honor that university leadership trusted me to oversee the project,” he said.
Carter said his job never gets old because Marshall is always changing and growing. He expects those changes to continue and looks forward to continuing to be part of that.
“I see big things for Marshall in the future. I am a small piece of that future, but I am glad to be a part of it. I love doing my share to contribute to Marshall’s growth. This is a very special place.”
About the author: Molly McClennen is a freelance writer who lives in Huntington, West Virginia.
Photos: (From top) Tootie Carter stands outside the Memorial Student Center where he manages all daily operations of the building. (Above) Carter oversaw the complete renovation of the student center. The Memorial Student Center under renovation. More of a transformation than a renovation, the student center has a fresh, modern look, while keeping some of the features that set it apart from other student unions such as the fireplace and the openness of the main lobby. Carter speaks at the Memorial Student Center reopening celebration that was held on Dec. 5, 2019.