MCC alum turned mentor and entrepreneur gives back
James Carter started his higher education journey at Meridian Community College, but
life circumstances led him to leave college.
But only temporarily.
Today, Carter is a motivational speaker, published author, and mentor who is also the founder and executive director of the Carter Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving youth in Meridian, Hattiesburg, and West Alabama. The foundation promotes education, leadership, and community engagement, boasting a 100 percent graduation rate among its participants. Programs include tutoring, financial literacy, and health and wellness initiatives.
“I am thankful to God for putting me in a position to help others. God made it possible,” he said.
Carter is one of four honorees being inducted into the MCC Foundation’s Hall of Fame, on March 5. The ceremony begins at 2 p.m. in the McCain Theater in Ivy-Scaggs Hall. Other Hall of Fame honorees include Wanda Dixon (posthumously), Marmion Loving Francis, and Alice James.
In 2016, Carter returned to MCC as a full-time, non-traditional student in the Business and Marketing Management Technology Program. “My decision to enroll was driven by my ambition to grow my business and better serve my community,” he said. “I’ve always loved public speaking and networking, and I wanted to enhance my skills with a degree and make my family proud,” Carter added.
His time at MCC proved valuable. Carter credits his instructor, Sandy Clark, program coordinator for Business and Marketing Management Technology, for his success. “When I came back to MCC, I appreciated her patience and ability to make learning enjoyable and relatable,” he said. “I still seek her advice today.”
Carter also said it was Clark’s classes that motivated him to create the Carter Foundation Scholarship, which is earmarked for students in the Business and Marketing Management Program. Started in 2023, the scholarship is funded through The MCC Foundation.
While at MCC, Carter was recognized as the Outstanding Marketing Student, a Dean’s List honoree; he earned his degree in 2017. Following graduation, Carter launched Worldwide LLC, a marketing and professional company offering rental services, event planning, marketing merchandise, and more.
Beyond his business, Carter has taken on leadership roles across Mississippi. He serves as president of Magnolia Middle School’s Parent Teacher and Advisory Organization and has previously served as vice president of Wesley House Community Center and Mississippi Action for Progress. His work has earned him several awards, including 2014 Community Man of the Year; 2016 Meridian Top 20 Under 40; 2018 NAACP Entrepreneur of the Year; 2019 Meridian Trailblazer Award; 2023 Multi-County Community Service Agency Mannie Mitchell Service Award; 2023 Meridian Public School Parent of the Year; and 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Grand Marshal.
Carter and his wife, Misty, have two sons, Jameion and Ja’Maj. “My family, friends, and supporters are my biggest motivation,” Carter said. “Their support keeps my fuel burning.”
His dedication to education, leadership, and service continues to inspire those around him—just as it did when he first stepped onto MCC’s campus.
Visit meridiancc.edu/halloffame to learn more.