Success means respecting and honoring the boundaries I've set for myself, allowing me to show up as my best for others.
Carlitta Moore, Ed.D, LAT, ATC · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Carlitta M.
Dr. Carlitta M. Moore, Ed.D., LAT, ATC, is a transformative higher education leader currently serving as Vice Chancellor for Access & Institutional Engagement at Arkansas State University. In this role, she provides strategic leadership to advance access, strengthen institutional engagement, and cultivate a campus culture where every individual is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. She brings a deep commitment to student success, access, and collaborative excellence across all levels of the university. Dr. Moore’s career began in athletic training following the completion of her master’s degree in 2009. She started at a physical therapy clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, where she provided care for a diverse population of patients, including high school, collegiate, and professional athletes. She then transitioned into collegiate athletics as Assistant Athletic Trainer at Saint Augustine’s University, before advancing to Fayetteville State University her alma mater where she served as Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer. In this role, she made history as the first Black female Head Athletic Trainer at the institution, while simultaneously earning her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from 2012 to 2019. Dr. Moore transitioned to Arkansas State University, where she has steadily advanced through progressive leadership roles, including Clinical Education Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), and tenured Associate Professor. Her leadership trajectory reflects a strong foundation in health sciences, student development, and inclusive excellence, supported by a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Athletic Training from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She remains deeply engaged in professional service through organizations such as the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, continuing to champion access, belonging, and opportunity in higher education.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Carlitta M.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to the strong foundation built by my family, particularly my parents, who have been my backbone and a constant source of guidance, support, and encouragement throughout my life. The values they instilled in me have shaped my work ethic, resilience, and commitment to excellence. In addition, I have been fortunate to have meaningful mentors at various stages of my journey, beginning as early as high school, including an influential teacher who truly exemplified the kind of leader and educator I aspire to be. Collectively, these relationships have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am personally and professionally, and continue to guide my growth and leadership today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is, “If it’s not going to matter in five years, don’t give it more than five minutes.” This perspective has been instrumental in how I approach challenges, setbacks, and day-to-day decisions. It reminds me to focus my time and energy on what truly drives long-term impact, growth, and purpose, rather than becoming consumed by temporary obstacles or distractions.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The best advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to prioritize self-care and remain intentional about investing in your overall well-being physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is essential to be mindful of your own needs and to recognize that sustaining your ability to lead, serve, and support others begins with taking care of yourself. You cannot pour into others if your own glass is empty, so protecting your balance and making your wellness a priority is foundational to long-term success and fulfillment in both your personal and professional life.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A significant challenge in my field is navigating perceptions and assumptions based on appearance. Because I have a youthful look, I am often mistaken for a student, which can be an advantage in building rapport and staying closely connected to students and their experiences. However, it also requires me to be very intentional in professional settings about establishing credibility early in engagements and ensuring that my expertise and leadership are clearly recognized. Balancing approachability with authority is an ongoing opportunity that has strengthened my communication, presence, and ability to lead with both authenticity and with confidence.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are truth and transparency. I believe honest communication, even when difficult, creates the strongest foundation for trust and allows individuals and teams to respond, adjust, and grow effectively. I also value being intentional in how I deliver messages, ensuring clarity and respect so they are received in a constructive and thoughtful way. Equally important is extending grace to others, recognizing that everyone is navigating their own experiences, and leading with empathy while maintaining accountability and integrity.
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