Meet Corey Carter ’08, M.A.T. ’10, an award-winning educator, lifelong learner, and the director of the Sherman Scholars Program in the George and Betsy Sherman Center. He takes pride in meeting student needs through servant leadership and holistic mentorship that centers on the needs of scholars as developing teachers. Corey’s goals include diversifying the teaching profession, particularly increasing the representation of highly-skilled Black male educators. Outside of his work supporting culturally responsive educators, Corey loves exploring his interests in hip hop, technology, and science. Take it away, Corey!
Q: What is your WHY? What brought you to UMBC?
A: My family was coming home one day, and my dad stopped the car to introduce us all to the new neighbor. When I told LaMont Toliver that I was a high school junior and wanted to major in biology, he told me all about the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC. I knew I had to apply and was excited about the chance to continue exploring my passion for science amongst so many other brilliant young people. During selection weekend, my parents shared the table with another couple whose daughter was also applying to the program. That night, I met my future wife and best friend, Brittney Carter ’07, psychology.
Pictured right: Corey and Brittney Carter attending the wedding of one of their college friends. The couple has been married for 15 years and have three kids.
Q: Where have you found support in the UMBC community?
A: The support at UMBC has significance for me because it was also a place of consequential challenges. My academic and pre-professional identity was formed, broken down, and reformed over the years as I learned more of my truths. When I first began to accept that I might have a different career calling than a Ph.D. in biology research, it wasn’t without signs. The support I received from mentors, advisors, and tutoring centers helped me get out of the shame and disillusionment. Connecting again with the community in different aspects of my identity (Gospel choir, Meyerhoff Scholars, Sherman Scholars) was the key to me reclaiming my story and writing the next chapters of my life.
Q: Who, in particular, has supported you throughout your journey?
It’s hard to name just one person. I’m fortunate to have known the late Mr. Toliver, as he was my bridge to UMBC and then to the Sherman Scholars Program, which led to my current career. Mr Toliver’s influence on Rehana Shafi, who would serve as a mentor and support for me through teacher preparation, was an anchoring force of courageous truth and unwavering belief in potential. More recently, I’ve stayed connected to Mr. Toliver’s legacy through another pillar, cut from the same cloth, Sunji Jangha, M.P.P ’18, Ph.D. ’25.
“UMBC is a big community with many intersecting circles. There is not only space for you here, but there is space for the person you have yet to become.Corey Carter ’08, M.A.T. '10
Q: What do you love most about the Sherman Scholars program?
A: I’ve been involved with the Sherman Program since 2007. I love that we stand for centering students as whole people, that we live the values of social justice through education, and that we do this work with joy, love, and passion.
Q: What part of your job do you enjoy the most
A: I love seeing our Sherman Scholars in the classroom and talking with them about teaching. Connecting with brilliant, passionate educators is so fulfilling because I am always stretched by the conversations. In this job, I’ve continued to grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. I’m grateful for the tears, the laughter, and the righteous anger—it’s all so valuable to me.
Alumni Voices, an annual Sherman Scholars event where current students hear from Sherman Scholars alumni who are current teachers. Corey remembers attending as an alum and sharing his story. Now, he gets to see the scholars he supported come back and speak to current students in the program.
Q: What would you tell someone who is considering a career at UMBC?
A: UMBC is a special place. If you align with the mission and values, I have no doubt there is good work and community for you here!
Learn more about the George and Betsy Sherman Center
Established by a visionary gift to UMBC from George and Betsy Sherman, the George and Betsy Sherman Center is committed to excellent urban schools that transform lives in the communities they serve.
We believe that in every community, public schools have an extraordinary and unique capacity to offer opportunity and change lives. Within each school, committed teachers are the most important factor in whether the transformational power of education becomes real for students and families. Surrounding each school, community and family partners are essential for children to thrive, particularly in a child’s formative early years.
What we do:
- Support excellent teaching with an emphasis on STEM and Early Childhood;
- Build deep and transformative educational partnerships with schools and communities;
- Expand community and school capacity to provide strong early childhood experiences;
- Support pathways connecting students in partner communities with educational opportunities at UMBC;
- Apply engaged research to guide and assess our work.