2024 RSPH Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony Speaker

Jason Carter

Chairman, Carter Center Board of Trustees

Jason Carter is the Chairman of the Carter Center Board of Trustees and a partner at the law firm of Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore, LLP in Atlanta, Georgia, where he represents clients in high-stakes business litigation. As the grandson of the Carter Center’s founders, Jason has been involved with the Center’s programs for 20 years, working to advance peace and health across the globe. Prior to becoming Chairman of the Board, he oversaw the Center’s strategic planning and participated in the Center’s programs in Liberia, Egypt, Myanmar, and the West Bank/Gaza.


Aside from the Center, he combines a successful litigation practice with a strong commitment to public service. From 2010 to 2015 he served in the Georgia State Senate. In 2014, Jason was the Democratic Nominee for Governor of Georgia, receiving more than 1.1 million votes in a race that garnered substantial national attention. He previously served for more than two years in the United States Peace Corps in South Africa where he worked in schools to assist with their transition out of Apartheid.

Jason has been named to Georgia Trend’s list of the 100 Most Influential Georgians and has consistently been recognized as a “Super Lawyer” in Atlanta Magazine, a listing of the top attorneys in Georgia. Jason has received numerous other awards for his legal work and community service, including the Anti-Defamation League’s Stuart Eizenstat Award.

In addition to his work at the Carter Center, Mr. Carter serves on the boards of a number of civic organizations in the Atlanta area, including Hands on Atlanta, and the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence.

Jason attended Duke University and the University of Georgia School of Law. He lives in Atlanta with his wife, Kate, and their two sons, Henry and Thomas.

 

 

Edediong N. Ekarika

2024 Rollins School of Public Health Student Speaker

Edediong N. Ekarika is an accomplished MPH candidate specializing in Healthcare Management within the esteemed Health Policy and Management Department. Originally from Nigeria, Edediong earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from All Saints University School of Medicine in Dominica. Throughout her academic journey at Rollins, she demonstrated exemplary leadership skills, holding prominent positions such as Vice President of the Rollins Student Government Association and Board Member of the Rollins International Student Advisory Board. Additionally, she contributed as a Teaching Assistant and Mentor in Emory University's comprehensive mentorship program. In recognition of her outstanding capabilities, Edediong emerged in first place in the NAHSE Everett V. Fox Student Case Competition in 2023 and was honored with the Teresa-Rivero Adopt-a-Scholar award. Her fervent commitment lies in championing health equity, particularly enhancing healthcare access and quality for marginalized communities. Post-graduation, she eagerly anticipates collaborating with healthcare professionals and organizations to tackle pertinent health issues prevalent in underserved communities.