A Statement on the Passing of Alan Carter
World Learning Inc. was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Carter, who spent nearly 20 years with the organization and served in multiple senior leadership positions, including acting president and chief operating officer.
“Alan Carter devoted his career to building relationships across cultures,” said World Learning Inc. CEO Carol Jenkins. “During his time at World Learning, he provided steadfast leadership and played a vital role in expanding our international programs, helping to shape the organization into what it is today.”
A World War II veteran, Carter came to the organization following a distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service, during which he lived and worked in countries including India, Japan, and Vietnam. While in the Foreign Service, Carter also served as a senior executive in the U.S. Information Agency and received the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Public Diplomacy for his work there.
In the early 1980’s, Carter joined The Experiment in International Living, the organization that would grow into World Learning Inc., as vice president for international programs. He later served as executive vice president, acting president, and chief operating officer for the organization.
During his tenure, Carter championed new initiatives promoting cross-cultural exchange, including International Elderhostel, Educational Au Pair, and the English and Foreign Language programs, as well as the growth of SIT Study Abroad. He also played a key role in the organization’s 1992 transition from The Experiment in International Living to World Learning and oversaw the organization’s rapidly growing international development and exchange activities in Washington, DC.
The World Learning Inc. Board of Trustees honored Carter for his commitment to the organization with the World Learning Citation in 1993. The award recognizes individuals who “model the challenges, joys, and responsibilities of global citizenship and community through their own international and cross culture experiences."
“Alan was a wonderful friend and colleague,” said Charlie McCormack, former World Learning president and current trustee. “He was fair-minded, insightful, methodical, and levelheaded. Alan had extensive experience running large international communications and exchange programs, which greatly benefited World Learning. Our cause owes him a great debt.”