Assistant dean for faculty affairs and special projects in the College of Science Clarence “Earl” Carter died in his home Thursday, Notre Dame announced in a press release Monday. He was 61.

Carter was hired in 2011 as a professor of naval science and commanding officer for the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit after a career in the United States Navy.

“During his 32-year naval career, Carter was a submariner whose career highlights included serving as commanding officer of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Scranton, leading its crew on the first mission to the North Pole by a Los Angeles Class submarine, and later serving as commander of Submarine Squadron Eight, comprising 10 fast-attack submarines and their crews,” the press release said. 

He then became an assistant dean in 2013, where he assisted with the college’s strategic planning and coordinated special events.

From 2013 to 2015 Carter served as the interim managing director for the Notre Dame Haiti Program — an organization working toward eliminating lymphatic filariasis, a leading cause of disability in the world.

Mary Galvin, the William K. Warren Foundation Dean of the College of Science, said in the press release that Carter was known for his faith, kindness and generosity.

“His compassion was evident through his interactions with faculty, staff and students, and he had a way of listening and advising that solved many problems and healed wounds,” Galvin said. 

Carter is survived by his wife Lea, his two daughters Alora and Ciera, his son Joseph and his sister Kathryn Carter.

Tags: College of Science, Notre Dame Haiti Program, Reserve Officer Training Corps, United States Navy