Dr. Deborah Carpenter began her career as an educator in 1996. She is originally from Loretto, Tennessee where she graduated from Loretto High School and entered the workforce as a welder of S&M Casket Company. More than a decade later, she set and accomplished her goal of becoming an educator. Dr. Carpenter holds Associate Degrees from Calhoun Community College in Secondary Education, Elementary Education, and Pre-Law, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Alabama A & M University in General Science Education. She earned multiple graduate degrees from The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa including Master’s Degrees in Secondary Education Biology and Educational Administration (P-12); an Educational Specialist Degree (EdS) in Secondary Education Biology; and an Educational Doctorate (EdD) in Higher Education Administration. She has also earned additional graduate credit hours in biology and physical science from the University of West Alabama and the University of New Mexico. Currently Dr. Carpenter is pursuing National Board Certification (NBCT). 

During her career as an educator, Dr. Carpenter has served as a science teacher at Athens High School, Chapman Middle School, and Lee High School, and as an assistant principal at J. E. Williams Elementary & Technology Middle School, and Challenger Middle School. She has served as Space Academy Level I Counselor at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Huntsville, and has served as Biology Lab Instructor at Calhoun Community College and as an Adjunct Environment Science Professor at Athens State University. Finally, Dr. Carpenter has made her home at Buckhorn Middle School since 2012 and currently serves as an 8th grade physical science teacher and science department chair. GO BUCKS!! 

Dr. Carpenter is married to Ken Carpenter. She has 3 children, Nathan, Danielle, and Ben. She is blessed with 1 granddaughter, Natilynn, and 4 grandsons, C.J., Braxton, Jacob, and Lincoln. When not at school, Dr. Carpenter loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family and friends.