Congressman Troy Carter to keynote Southern University executive Ph.D. hooding ceremony Friday

On Friday, Aug. 1, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. will address candidates for the executive Ph.D. in public policy from the Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences at Southern University and A&M College during its hooding ceremony. The public ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.

This year’s ceremony honors 16 doctoral candidates in the program, marking the completion of a rigorous academic journey that includes 36 credit hours of coursework and an original dissertation research study. These candidates represent the fifth cohort to complete the prestigious terminal degree program, which is designed to develop visionary leaders and transformative scholars in public policy and administration. This is the largest class to complete the program since its inception in 2020.

“Having Congressman Carter deliver this year’s keynote address is a tremendous honor,” said Charmaine Williams, executive director of the degree program. “His distinguished career in public service exemplifies the kind of leadership and civic impact we aim to cultivate in our executive Ph.D. graduates. This cohort represents the next generation of scholar-practitioners who will shape the policies and systems that define our future.”

Now in his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Carter was first elected to the 117th Congress. Congressman Carter serves on the exclusive Committee on Energy and Commerce in the 119th Congress and continues to serve on the House Homeland Security Committee and the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. He was also selected by Democratic leadership to be a Deputy Whip on the House Floor. Congressman Carter was also elected 1st Vice Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and is a member of the Regional Leadership Council. He previously served on the House Committees on Small Business and Transportation and Infrastructure. A graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Carter earned a Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and business administration, and later graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Science in business from the University of Holy Cross. He has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees from Xavier University and Southern University at New Orleans for his contributions.

The executive Ph.D. program is tailored for experienced professionals, preparing them to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world public service challenges. Graduates of the program are equipped to lead in government, nonprofit organizations, academia, and the private sector.