Carter most recently held the position of senior associate director of athletics and has worked at the College since 1990. In early fall, a committee of faculty, staff, students, and alumni stakeholders will be formed to lead a national search for a permanent replacement. “I am very grateful that Rock has agreed to lead the Poet athletic program during this time of transition,” said Oubré. “I’d also like to thank the faculty, staff, and alumni who provided valuable input in this appointment. It is clear to me that for more than three decades—as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator—Rock has shown great devotion to Whittier College athletics.” Carter’s focus this year will be to build upon the notable work that has been achieved in athletics over the past decade. He will be leading new initiatives focused on improving student success, enhancing academic performance of student-athletes, engaging with faculty, and increasing fundraising. Carter led the Poet men’s basketball team as coach for 24 successful seasons. He retired in 2017 to devote more time and energy to projects aimed at strengthening Poet athletics more broadly. Currently, Carter’s main responsibilities include assisting and overseeing the internal operations of all 22 intercollegiate teams and staffing within the Athletic Department. During the summer months Carter serves as director of the highly successful Whittier College Sports Camps and Swim Club, which serves over 500 families in Whittier and the surrounding communities. He is also director of Whittier’s youth basketball camp.
Previously, Carter served as the interim director of athletics from 2004-2005. He spent 13 years as an instructor with the Department of Kinesiology, teaching courses in sport management, physical education, and fitness and wellness. He has also served on a number of College, SCIAC, and NCAA committees.
At Whittier, Carter earned his BA in physical education and an M.A. in education administration. As an undergraduate, he played two seasons with the Poet men’s basketball team. He currently resides in Whittier with his wife Megan, daughter Caroline, and son Jacob ’14, a recent graduate of the College. Robert Coleman, who has served as Whittier College Executive Director of Athletics for 12-years, will be stepping down from his post at the end of July. He has accepted a position in San Antonio, Texas as the Director of Athletics at St. Mary’s University (Division II).
