Rick Carter
“There are so many worthwhile candidates out there, why me?” That was Rick Carter’s first thought after Dr. Willis Lott, the president of Gulf Coast, told him that he had been chosen for the 2008 Spirit of Gulf Coast Award. His next was “one of complete gratitude for MGCCC’s recognition that I somehow contribute to making a positive difference in people’s lives. I am delighted and humbled to receive this award knowing how important it is to MGCCC and the community.”
Carter is owner, along with business partner Terry Green, of Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport. It’s the largest private employer in the city. In his position, accolades are numerous, but when it comes from a Coast institution that has served his family well, the feeling of awe and appreciation goes even deeper. “My daughter Christina went to school there in 2005-06 and was a Perkette on the dance team. She’s a bright and charming young lady, but when she was looking at colleges, one of the things she looked for was the ability to stay close to her family on the Gulf Coast. At Perkinston, she was able to have a real college experience, yet she was close enough to come home on a regular basis. My wife, Stephanie (Breland), graduated from Perk and went on to The University of Southern Mississippi to finish her undergraduate studies.”
As a major supporter of the Irvin Favre Showcase Classic, an annual Gulf Coast event that raises money for scholarships (this year it raised $54,000, the most ever), Carter knows the value of an education. “It’s important to our business to attract and retain educated and talented Mississippians, and we firmly believe that the college system in Mississippi has the potential to be second to none,” Carter said. “To get there, it requires support from every strata of society, from governmental officials to the state citizens to private industry. We want to do our part, so have made what we believe to be a worthwhile investment not only in the youth of the state, but in the future leaders of the Gulf Coast and our future leaders at Island View. MGCCC is a great partner in accomplishing both of these goals by offering a high-quality education at accessible locations for an affordable price.”
Jere Hess, associate vice president for Development at Gulf Coast, thinks the college has made a wise choice in selecting Carter for the Spirit Award. “He has been a consistent donor and is a major sponsor for the Adams Pro Golf Tour that will benefit the Foundation. He’s helped us in so many ways that it is too hard to count.”
Carter is also a member of the Bulldog Club and the Alumni Association. “I feel privileged to be associated with the Foundation as a board member. I’m excited about the Bulldogs team and I want us to show the whole world that MGCCC is No. 1.”
He adds that folks can support the college, its programs and its athletics in different ways, from supporting such events as the Irvin Farve Showcase Classic to the National Championship Tight Lies tournament, a major golf tournament at Windance being sponsored by Island View.
Carter said he is able to accomplish so much because of the support of his family. His wife grew up in Wiggins and splits her time between the Gulf Coast and watching over the girls in New York. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life than Stephanie,” he said. “She’s beautiful, intelligent, resourceful and has a great sense of humor, all of which combine to create a truly fantastic wife and mother.”
His other children are Joel Jr., John, Jacob and Alexa. Joel and John work for their father at Windance Country Club, and Jacob is a deputy with the Stone County Sheriff’s Department. Christina and Alexa are in school in New York -- Christina at Pace University and Alexa at Professional Children's School. “I am incredibly proud of all of my children’s accomplishments and continued success. My oldest son, Joel, and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, and Jacob and his wife are expecting their second child.” He added, “As our children mature and have children of their own, I am continuously reminded of the gifts life has given my family and me.”
Although Carter’s not a college graduate, he stresses the importance of education. “The more successful I have become over the years, the more I wish I had a better education. Education is the bedrock of success -- the more you have, the better tools you have to succeed. I worked very hard and followed my instincts to get where I am today, and I have thankfully been able to achieve a lot in life, but it’s important to have the right building blocks that education provides. I encourage all your students to follow some advice my father gave me: If you have an idea and really believe in it, make it happen!”
With free weekends spent with his daughters in New York and his other time spent at Island View, there’s not much time left in Carter’s life. “However, with the two events we sponsor for the college, I'm doing my part to keep the Gulf Coast spirit alive and well,” he says, adding, “There are so many students who don't have the money or can’t travel far to attend college. MGCCC is playing a major part in educating our youth right here on the Gulf Coast. If not for MGCCC, we would have many students who could not further their education, which in turn would limit their opportunities.”
