Ann Carter: A Resource, Advisor and Friend

Three Decades of Dedicated Service to the Logan Community

Throughout her 30-year career at Logan College of Chiropractic/University Programs, Ann Carter has proved to be more than a dedicated employee; she personifies Logan’s commitment to students, staff and the chiropractic community.

With a deep knowledge of the institution’s operations, a passion for helping her colleagues, and exemplary service, Ann undoubtedly has played a role in helping Logan become one of the world’s premier institutions for chiropractic.

Whether she’s organizing a special event, greeting alumni, tracking down a missing package or assisting the board of trustees,  Ann defines what it means to be Logan’s “go-to” person.

This December, Ann will retire as executive secretary to Logan President Dr. George A. Goodman. And though she will leave her post behind, Ann’s impressions on the Logan community will remain.

Compassionate and Caring

Ann began her long-running career with Logan on Aug. 30, 1982, as a secretary in the audiovisual department. By 1986, she
moved into an assistant position in the Office of Chiropractic Affairs where Dr. Goodman served as vice president, and later
became the executive secretary to Dr. Goodman in January 1993 when he assumed the presidency at Logan.

With her vast knowledge of the institution and access to Logan leadership, it’s not surprising that staff and faculty often make a
point of dropping by to see Ann. But they insist it is Ann’s pleasant disposition that draws them in.

“I always enjoy sticking my head in her door when I am passing by and shooting the breeze for a few seconds,” said Dr. Daryl
Ridgeway, associate professor and chair of the chiropractic science division. “She has always been a great friend and
incredible help, and I’ll miss her greatly when she leaves.”

Immediate past president of the Logan Faculty Council Dr. Brian Snyder was just a student when Ann joined the Logan staff. During his transition to faculty member, Dr. Snyder found it easy to connect with Ann, who had become that familiar face
on the second floor.

“I think people are drawn to her personality and compassion,” he said. “You’re never hesitant to walk in and talk to her if you have
a problem. Her departure will be a void for all of us, and it’s going to be hard to find a replacement given Ann’s knowledge.”

Dr. Martha Kaeser also recalls Ann’s role as an information source during her years as a college student. Now as a faculty
member and director of the assessment center, Dr. Kaeser finds herself returning to Ann’s desk, seeking professional assistance
from her competent and resourceful colleague.

“I always go to Ann because I know she has the answers, and you could always count on her being pleasant and kind,”
Dr. Kaeser said. “I feel fortunate to be friends with her and to have worked with her.”

Hardworking and Trustworthy

After working full time at Logan each week, it is not uncommon to find Ann lending her helping hands to Logan events on campus in the evenings or on weekends.

Bob Snyder, close friend and former director of Logan’s Learning Resources Center, said Ann puts in whatever hours are required
and then will add hours that are not required to her day because she feels the job at hand is important or necessary.

“Ann Carter brought a unique character and professional skillset to her position. She will be missed and her position will be challenging to fill because there is only one Ann Carter.”
- DR. NORMAN KETTNER

“I will miss her friendliness, her warm smile and her ability to do just about anything at a moment’s notice.”
- DR. PATRICK MONTGOMERY

For example, in the early days of ACC-RAC, before the installment of an executive director, it was Ann who co-organized the conference. In recent years, she has coordinated the 50+ Logan alumni gatherings along with organizing any other function the college needs.

With all that can change in a 30-year career, Ann remains constant. Ann’s colleagues say she has always been hard working, positive and eager to help. Her close friend Bob Snyder says Ann’s love for her job contributed to her success. “She likes having a finger on the pulse of what’s going on at Logan,” said Snyder.

Dr. Norman Kettner agrees. As professor and chair of Logan’s Radiology Department, Dr. Kettner has also known Ann since
she first began her career at Logan. He said Ann thrived amid Logan’s fast-paced nature and loved finding solutions to challenges.

“Her courtesy and efficiency were only exceeded by her presence, poise and professionalism—working with Ann was easy and
productive,” he said. “From a personal perspective, Ann was warmhearted and her sense of humor always contributed to a welcoming environment.”

Friendly and Full of Life

As December draws near, the Logan community will certainly take note of Ann’s absence in Dr. Goodman’s office. Staff said while they will miss hearing about her family and stories of her Italian ancestry (although she is half Irish, too), they know she will keep in touch.

As her chiropractor, Dr. Brian Snyder also hopes to continue seeing her both as a patient and as a friend. Dr. Kaeser also intends on maintaining their relationship. “As her friend, I know I’ll continue to see her outside of Logan, but here I’ll miss her
professional help,” she said.

For Dr. Ridgeway, he will miss the opportunity to chat about family. He said he always knew that if Ann was having a hectic day, he could make her smile by mentioning one topic. “When I bring up her grandchildren, I just stand back and watch her face light up with a huge smile, especially when she talks about her teenage grandson, a budding musician,” he said. “I will definitely
miss these talks the most when she retires.”

Because this story is a “surprise” for Ann, who would never have agreed to serving as The Tower’s cover feature, Bob Snyder shared information about Ann’s future plans. According to Bob, she plans to spend retirement with her family and friends and attend concerts, trivia nights or live theater. He said she also intends to stay close to Logan and volunteer at future Homecoming events.

“Ann has truly been a fixture at Logan, and I think people will miss her presence and personality the most,” Bob said. “No question, she’ll be a great loss to Logan.

“Ann has always been there to help or give words of advice, and I feel privileged to know her and to have worked with her.”
- DR. DARYL RIDGEWAY

“I’m going to miss the opportunity to always stop in and say hi, but I wish her well in her retirement.”
- DR. MARTHA KAESER

From Dr. George A. Goodman

Ann Carter has been a significant part of my life since 1986. We have shared many experiences that occur with working together for 26 years. Specifically, we shared the drama of the Presidential search, while I was Vice President, in 1992, the untimely death
of Ann’s life partner and husband Jack fifteen years ago, to Ann being our wedding planner in 2001.

Ann has been intensely loyal and held together the office of the President with complete dignity. Over the past 26 years we have had literally hundreds of visitors and guests that I believe have gone away with the impression of being greeted with genuine friendliness and caring. Our office has always been a bee-hive of activity and yet, never once has Ann complained of the work load or hours.

You can only imagine how many storms, crises and chaotic events we have witnessed together. Ann is a devout Catholic who handles all problems with grace by quickly sprinkling the Holy Water she stores in her desk drawer along with making a quick call to the Pink Sisters that she keeps on speed dial. These actions have made this Lutheran a believer.

Ann, Liz and I will always remain close friends. We have shared not only our Logan life together, but so much more beyond Logan.