Chavez E. Carter, an Alcorn State University graduate, celebrated his 40th birthday in September 2024 by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak, and planting an Alcorn State University flag at the summit.
Carter, who holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in biology from Alcorn, has a tradition of physical challenges for his birthday. “Every year, I try to push myself to see what I have left,” he said, noting past 10K races and training in boxing and kickboxing. Inspired by his father, he sought a significant and meaningful challenge for his 40th. “I read that Kilimanjaro was the highest mountain in Africa, and I knew I wanted to climb it,” Carter explained.
The climb lasted five days, with the final night involving more than 20 hours of continuous hiking in cold, thin air. Carter faced significant physical and mental hurdles, including moments of self-doubt. “I wondered if I trained enough,” he recalled. To stay motivated, he focused on his family and drew on his faith. “When I felt I couldn’t go on, I asked God for strength, and He helped me.”
A picture of his wife and children, carried by his guide, leading him to the summit, provided constant motivation. He also carried the Alcorn flag. “I wanted to put the flag where it belongs — on top of the world,” Carter said. “I want to show that Alcorn alumni can reach the highest heights.”
Carter credits his education at Alcorn for instilling the importance of hard work. “Alcorn showed me that dedication always pays off,” he stated, a lesson he applies to all aspects of his life, from changing majors to late-night studying.
He encourages current students to pursue ambitious dreams and embrace the unknown. “The world is big, and it needs young Alcorn grads to do great things and reach the impossible,” Carter said. He also advises Black men over 40 to prioritize health and spend time in nature.
Carter shared a story about a 62-year-old climbing partner who, near the summit, began losing sight in one eye but kept it private to ensure Carter wouldn’t give up. “He didn’t want me to miss my chance to reach the top,” Carter said, emphasizing the strength of friendship.
Beyond the climb, Carter lauded Tanzania as one of the most beautiful places he has visited, highlighting its people, culture, food, and sights. He recommended others explore East Africa, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Professionally, Carter is an associate director at Novartis, where he has worked in medical affairs for dermatology and allergy since June 2025. Previously, he was director of field medical at Pfizer, focusing on dermatology, immunology, and inflammation. During his time at Pfizer, he launched a podcast, led virtual education projects, and served as a global expert on vitiligo.
His earlier career includes roles in medical relations at La Roche-Posay and medical science liaison positions at Leo Pharma and Sun Pharma.
Academically, Carter completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell University and earned a Ph.D. in immunology and infectious disease from Cornell. He also briefly studied at Penn State. His research has been published in scientific journals. In 2021, Cell Press named him one of their “1,000 Inspiring Black Scientists in America.” He has received numerous accolades, including fellowships at Cornell and from the Sloan Foundation.
