This article has been updated.
The president of the Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents was killed today in a traffic accident near Portales.
Alva C. Carter Sr., 68, was pronounced dead at the scene following the single-car accident, the Portales News-Tribune reported. The newspaper quoted State Police Capt. Jimmy Glascock as saying Carter was driving east on N.M. 202 near the intersection with U.S. Highway 70 when, “for unknown reason, his vehicle traveled off the south side of the road and struck a tree, which caused the vehicle to overturn.” The vehicle came to rest upside down.
“The Eastern New Mexico University community is saddened to learn of the sudden death of Mr. Alva Carter, president of the ENMU Board of Regents,” Steven Gamble, ENMU president, said in a statement released by the university. “Mr. Carter’s commitment to the university and his strong support of this community was well-known, and he will be sorely missed. Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Mary Helen, and his entire family.”
Carter, who lived with his wife in Portales, was the brother of Bob Carter, chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce.
A native of San Jon, Carter earned a bachelor of science degree from West Texas State University in 1962 and a master of business administration from Eastern New Mexico University in 1970. He retired as assistant principal of the Portales school system in 1968, according to ENMU’s Web site.
Since then he has been active in agriculture at both local and national levels. A past president of the New Mexico Peanut Growers, he served on the National Peanut Board. At the time of his death he was a member of the national corporate board of Dairy Farmers of America, as well several other local and national dairy boards.
He was the owner of Big Valley Auto in Portales, Carter’s Milk Factory and AC Farms.
Update, 11:45 a.m.
Gov. Bill Richardson released this statement about Carter’s death:
“I am saddened by the untimely passing of Alva Carter, Sr. His lifelong dedication to education and his commitment to Eastern New Mexico University and the surrounding community will be greatly missed. Barbara and I extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
Update, 3:15 p.m.
U.S. Rep. Tom Udall released this statement:
“New Mexico has lost a great leader today. Over the course of a lifetime committed to bettering his community, Alva Carter touched the lives of so many. He loved education, he loved eastern New Mexico, and he loved ENMU. His single-minded commitment to the university and its mission has already paid dividends for students and the community, and we can only imagine the mark he would have left with more time to put his ideas into action. Alva also served New Mexico’s dairy farmers ably. His knowledge, wisdom and judgment were apparent in every conversation we had about the industry, and his work has helped the industry navigate a difficult and changing world. He will be remembered for his easygoing nature, his refreshing candor and integrity, and his passion for the area he called home his entire life.”