Guardian of the Discipline
In Memoriam February 13, 1947- June 17, 2025
It is with profound sadness that the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) announced the passing of Michael Carter, DNSc, DNP, FAAN, a UAMS alumnus and longstanding dean of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing (Frontier Nursing University, 2025). After earning his BSN degree from UAMS in 1969, he earned his Master of Science in Nursing in 1973. He was among the first class to graduate from the newly minted program. His Doctor of Nursing Science Degree (DNSc) was earned during his studies at Boston University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (DNP) from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Frontier Nursing University, 2025).
Dr. Carter exemplified a life of service to his community, country, and the nursing profession, both globally and locally. He served our nation as a member of the US Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. He also completed a fellowship in health care policies for the U.S. Public Health Service. As a nursing educator, he held numerous roles, including dedicated educator and dean of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing from 1982 to 2000. Dr. Carter was an unwavering supporter of Frontier Nursing University (FNU). His insight was instrumental in the acquisition of land necessary to establish FNU, guiding the expansion of student access and resulting in increased enrollment. He launched the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. From 2009 to 2025, he served as chairman of the board of directors for Frontier University, a private graduate nursing school in Kentucky(Frontier Nursing University, 2025). On a global scale, Dr. Carter fought to advance nursing practice in Australia. As a recognition of his tireless efforts, he was named a fellow of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (Frontier Nursing University, 2025).
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Dr. Carter’s dedication to the advancement of the nursing discipline culminated in the establishment of the Dr. Elois R. Field Endowed Scholarship, funded through an endowment in his family’s name. This scholarship aims to promote scholarly pursuits within the PhD graduate nursing program. Ideally, the scholarship will support underrepresented populations within the Arkansas region in pursuing the advancement of nursing research and scholarship (University of Arkansas, 2020).
Dr. Carter’s extensive list of awards and honors includes, but is not limited to: Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 1982; Outstanding Alumnus from the University of Tennessee College of Nursing in 2000; Excellence in Teaching Award from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Student Government Association in 2005; Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties in 2015; and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing in 2019. Shortly before his passing, Frontier Nursing University designated Dr. Carter as the recipient of its 2025 Lifetime Service Award in recognition of his unwavering support over many years (Frontier Nursing University, 2025).
Patricia S. Yoder-Wise, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAONL, FAAN shared her words in honor of Dr. Carter’s contributions.
“I knew Dr. Michael Carter as a colleague at the University of Colorado and later as a dean in Tennessee, while I was a dean in Texas. We admired some nurses and people; when we admire both qualities—nurse and person—that’s worth celebrating. He was irreverent in the best way, using humor to help people laugh and discuss tense issues from new perspectives. One of his sayings was about the many associate degree programs in Tennessee, a vivid way to highlight rapid growth and the need for planning a well-prepared nursing workforce beyond just numbers. He was brilliant and made it look easy, combining intelligence, humor, and charm—if only we all were so endowed.”
Sally Thorne, PhD, RN, FAAN, FCAHS, FCAN, CM shares
“I am one of many nurses touched by Michael’s contributions and deeply saddened by his death. I met Michael 25 years ago at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing as a visiting scholar. We quickly connected over nursing science philosophy and stayed in touch, including his visits to Vancouver and my trips to Memphis. In 2005, we launched one of Canada’s first NP programs, with Michael providing valuable resources and guidance. In 2011, I asked him to sponsor my Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing; he eagerly agreed, wrote a supportive letter, and surprisingly contributed to my application fee. I thought I would pay the fee myself, but didn’t know about the financial aspect. He was gracious and supportive when I succeeded. To thank him, I arranged a plant basket delivery, with a message saying “ Michael, you are Wonderful.” Love, Sally, which later caused a humorous mix-up, as your local walking group wondered who Sally was. Over 15 years as Editor-in-Chief of Nursing Inquiry, I’ve called on Michael as a peer reviewer for complex submissions; his last review was a year ago on a manuscript about “Family caregivers and the ethical relevance of moral identity.” His review was insightful, praising the clarity and importance of the work, and reflecting his kindness, critical thinking, and support for new scholars. His loss is profound, and nurses worldwide mourn him.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dr. Elois R. Field Endowed Scholarship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing (Little Rock, AR); to Frontier Nursing University (Versailles, KY); or the Michael A. Carter Professorship in Nursing Practice at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing (Memphis, TN) in honor of Carter’s lifelong dedication to science and nursing education (Echovita,2025).
References
Echovita. (2025). Mike Carter obituary. https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/la/metairie/mike-carter-19943166
Frontier Nursing University. (2025, June 18). Frontier mourns the loss of Dr. Michael Carter. https://frontier.edu/news/frontier-mourns-the-loss-of-dr-michael-carter/
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. (2020,December 3). Carter family commits $500,000 to create research-focused scholarship in UAMA college of nursing. https://news.uams.edu/2020/12/03/carter-family-commits-500000-to-create-research-focused-scholarship-in-uams-college-of-nursing/
I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael about 6 weeks before he died for the AANP oral history series. He was very forthright about his diagnosis and prognosis. Yet, his continuing enthusiasm and pride in his profession was as strong as ever. We shared stories of growing up on farms and our Boston University connection. The interview barely touched the enormity of his accomplishments. It did however, capture his perspective on life as a nurse, academic administrator, mentor, and advocate for those in need. Ever the story teller- Michael’s interview preserves his wonderful sense of humor for posterity and will be found at the University of Virginia Nursing Achives.