EPI Center’s Carla Carpenter Adams to receive SCABSE Lifetime Achievement Award
May 21, 2026
Veteran educator honored for more than 30 years of dedication to instructional leadership, student equity, and professional learning.
The South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators (SCABSE) will honor Carla Carpenter Adams with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her profound impact on early childhood and elementary education.
Adams, an accomplished educator and leader with over 30 years of experience, currently serves as an Educator Support Specialist for Virtual Engagement with the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center). She will receive the award during a ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Brookland Baptist Banquet & Conference Center in West Columbia.
For Adams, the achievement reflects not only her personal journey but also the countless students, colleagues, mentors, and communities who have inspired and supported her throughout the years.
“Receiving the 2026 SCABSE Lifetime Achievement Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful to me,” Adams said. “Education has never simply been a profession—it has been a calling rooted in service and the belief that every student deserves opportunities to thrive. I am honored to be recognized by SCABSE, an organization whose mission continues to uplift and empower educators across South Carolina.”
Throughout her expansive career, Adams has brought a wealth of expertise in instructional strategies, curriculum development, and teacher support to a variety of roles, including Clinical Faculty Advisor, District Consultant, Assistant Principal, and Classroom Teacher. She is a National Board Certified Early Childhood Generalist and holds two Master of Education degrees: one in Administration (K–12) from Grand Canyon University and another in Divergent Learning from Columbia College.
A highly respected instructional leader, Adams’ commitment to excellence has previously earned her numerous accolades. Past honors include being named Lexington School District Two’s District Teacher of the Year, receiving the WLTX Golden Apple Teacher Award, and earning the Educator Rocks Award from the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
About the EPI Center
The EPI Center is a self-sustaining, national 501(c) (3) nonprofit established in 2021 on the campus of Voorhees University by Founder and CEO Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell. The EPI Center was established to redefine educator preparation through pathbreaking, research-driven approaches. With a commitment to elevating teacher effectiveness, the organization provides a comprehensive continuum of services designed to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to drive student success. The Center is located at 423 College Street in Batesburg-Leesville, SC.
