Humanities Alumni Spotlight:

Alumnus Receives Special Recognition

The College was pleased to learn that history alumnus Darnell Carter (M.A. '93) was recently named Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of the Year by the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association. He was chosen from among 1,500 Ohio assistant prosecutors.

Carter, who is eyeing retirement after nearly 30 years of public service, is a Springfield, Ohio, native. Since 1980, he has served as a Clark County assistant prosecuting attorney and in 2005, was named criminal section chief prosecutor. In addition to his latest distinguished honor, over his distinguished career, Carter has been the recipient of the Springfield Community Award of Excellence; the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Gold Star Award; and the Governor's Commendation and Resolution for his part in the Lucasville Riot Prosecution.

Carter grew up around law enforcement. His father was a longtime warden of the Clark County jail and his mother served as its matron, fixing meals for the inmates. "It was kind of like Mayberry," jokes Carter, referring to the setting for the popular 1960s television program The Andy Griffith Show. His parents' friends were police officers and Carter spent his summers working for then Clark County Prosecutor, James A. Berry.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and his Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa. After graduation he returned home to "pursue my career in law and to be involved with the people and community that I love."

In addition to being passionate about his hometown and the law, Carter is also passionate about history and the Buckeyes, so it made sense to pursue his master's in history at Ohio State. "I have a real interest in history and have given presentations on local history for Springfield's Martin Luther King Day celebrations, for the Rotary and Lion's Clubs, and local schools." His area of study at Ohio State was American History post-Civil War and his thesis centered on the Springfield, Ohio race riots. His faculty advisor was Marvin Zahniser and Professor Warren Van Tine was also a favorite teacher. "History has been a persuasive element in America's thought and customs in ways we're not even aware of," says Carter.

His plans for retirement include beginning a second career as a history and English teacher for students in grades 7-12 and to continue to cheer on the Buckeyes (he's a member of the Buckeye Club and never misses a home game). The College of Humanities wishes him the very best in all his new endeavors.