Tyrone Carter receives Distinguished Alumni Award at Commencement
The 2019 Henry Ford College (HFC) Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to State Representative Tyrone A. Carter, a 1985 HFC alumnus, at the morning commencement ceremony, Saturday, May 4. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, located at 15801 Michigan Ave. in Dearborn.
“I told my wife and family about the award. It is truly an honor. When you think of all the people who come to the College, whether they’re getting an associate degree or transferring to other schools, so many careers are started here. To receive this honor is amazing. The people I met at HFC are from many different places, and we’re still friends to this day. I’m looking forward to returning May 4,” said Rep. Carter.
Lifelong Detroiter
A lifelong Detroiter, Rep. Carter was born, raised, and educated in Detroit’s District 6. He has raised his own family in the same district. An alumnus of Southwestern High School in Detroit, Rep. Carter earned his associate degree in business and commerce from HFC in 1985. Transferring to Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is also a graduate of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Police Academy, the Michigan Political Leadership Program, and the renowned FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
Rep. Carter spent 25 years with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, rising through the ranks as a detective, a sergeant, and a lieutenant. He attained the role of executive lieutenant prior to his retirement in 2008. During his time at the Sheriff’s Office, he held various union positions, including division chief steward, bargaining chair, and vice president.
Improving the quality of life in District 6
Following his retirement, Rep. Carter has devoted his time to improve the quality of life in his community and district for the past 10 years. He has advocated against the closing of recreation centers and schools, and has been a strong proponent of air quality in the district. He is involved in numerous community activities, including serving as president of the Original United Citizens of Southwest Detroit, his neighborhood association, and a board member of several organizations committed to improving the quality of life for local residents.
Rep. Carter has worked as a community involvement specialist with the Detroit Public Schools, specifically assigned to his alma mater, Southwestern. He assists students and staff with resources to ensure a positive, productive school environment. His summers are devoted to mentoring 40-60 young men in the AmeriCorps Urban Safety Project at Wayne State University’s Center for Urban Studies in Detroit. He is currently a co-owner of a security and consulting company called Diversified Security Solutions in Detroit.