WMU alumna named Michigan’s 2026 Superintendent of the Year

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University alumna Dr. Kimberly Carter, M.A.’02 (educational leadership), has been named 2026 Michigan Superintendent of the Year by the Michigan Association of Superintendents & Administrators (MASA). Carter, who has served as superintendent of Battle Creek Public Schools since 2015, was selected for her outstanding leadership, deep commitment to equity and transformative vision for public education.

A lifelong advocate for students and families, Carter has guided Battle Creek Public Schools through a bold, multiyear transformation that has strengthened the district academically and culturally. Under her leadership, the district has launched numerous initiatives focused on early learning, student wellness and college access. Among her most celebrated achievements is the Bearcat Advantage, a scholarship program that covers up to 100% of college tuition for BCPS graduates attending Michigan universities or eligible historically Black colleges and universities. These efforts have helped raise graduation rates, expand advanced learning opportunities, and foster a culture of inclusion and excellence.

“Dr. Carter’s work reflects the heart of what we value at Western Michigan University: leadership grounded in service, innovation and a belief in every student’s potential,” says Dr. Laura Dinehart, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “Her accomplishments exemplify how education can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.”

Carter earned her Master of Arts in educational leadership from Western in 2002, a foundation she credits for shaping her approach to leading with both courage and compassion. She will be recognized formally at MASA’s 2026 Midwinter Conference in Kalamazoo in January 2026 and will go on to represent Michigan as a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year award.

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