Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Gil Carter
by Abby Zupa, student PR intern
Dr. Gil Carter, an assistant professor in his first semester of teaching at Mississippi State University, hails from Killen, Ala. He attended
the University of North Alabama for his undergraduate degree and then received his Masters and PhD at the University of Alabama.
Before coming to Mississippi State, Carter taught at the University of Florida as an assistant instructional professor and acted as director of debate. While at the University of Florida, Carter coached two state-championship-winning debate teams.
While Carter loved traveling with the debate teams, one reason he applied to teach at Mississippi State was to gain a bit of a slower pace of life. Although not having lived in Starkville for long, Carter is loving the small town and unique feel of the town.
“I love the little downtown. Starkville is one of those places that has a lot of local flavor in terms of restaurants that are unique. There is an incredible amount of local stuff and that is a nice thing,” said Carter.
What is your favorite place you have ever traveled and why?
"Well, I’ve never left the country but I’ve traveled significantly in our country. I don’t really think I get more excited about going anywhere than Washington, D.C. Though I have been four times it never gets old, and there’s always something new you can find to do. Washington’s a fun place because you can go in the House and Senate office buildings when they’re in session and interact with different people."
What is your best advice for communication students?
"Try to retain all you can. My advice would be to try to remember everything possible. Of course, you’re a human being. But as much as you can, retain from your classes, you’ll really look back on them."
If you didn’t work in communications where could you see yourself working?
"I am very happy in academia, and it’s great because you feel like you get to help people. So probably some other place where I feel like I get to help people."