Dr. Nikki Smith-McGruder Carter is a 2000 graduate of Columbia College, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from our Evening program. In 2020, Dr. Carter was selected as a member of the Columbia College Alumni Advisory Council, a position she will hold until her second three-year term concludes on June 30, 2026. Dr. Carter also serves as the liaison for the Advisory Council to the CC Friends of the 70’s Alumni Advisory Committee. While a student at Columbia College, Dr. Carter was employed as a Campus Life Office Manager, where she supervised work-study students and assisted in the coordination of Campus Life events. Professionally, Dr. Carter recently celebrated her fifth anniversary serving as the Director of Belonging & Community Impact at MU Health Care. Prior to this position, Dr. Carter served as the Director of the Inclusive Impact Institute. Dr. Carter holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Dr. Carter also received dual Master’s degrees (MBA and MA) in Human Resource Development from Webster University. In addition to her volunteer leadership for Columbia College, Dr. Carter is very active in the community, serving as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, on the board of the Day Dreams Foundation as well as serving as the current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Heart of Missouri United Way. She lives in Columbia with her husband and children.