By Emily Hernandez Dominguez, Managing Editor
On Dec. 29, 2024, former President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr. passed away at the age of 100, becoming the longest-living president in U.S. history. His humanitarian efforts and enduring legacy have left a profound impact on both the United States and the world.
Born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Ga., Carter was the first U.S. president born in a hospital. His mother, a registered nurse, instilled in him a strong sense of service—a value that would define both his life and career.
Carter began his political career by winning the 1976 presidential election, defeating incumbent Republican President Gerald R. Ford. His presidency marked a new era of diplomacy, human rights, and public service, cementing his legacy as a leader committed to progress.
“Jimmy Carter’s presidency included several policies that directly demonstrated his commitment to service,” said Dr. Austin Trantham, assistant professor of political science. “Carter’s support for human dignity led him to pressure authoritarian regimes in Chile and Argentina to end repressive practices, in some cases cutting off economic aid to nations that refused to address human rights abuses.”
Although Carter is widely respected today, his path to the White House was marked by significant challenges. He took office just 30 months after the Watergate scandal, which had left the federal government in turmoil. Carter confronted a series of crises—including an energy shortage, Soviet aggression, tensions with Iran, and, most notably, widespread public mistrust in leadership.
Before becoming president, Carter was relatively unknown on the national stage. Though he had served as Georgia’s governor, he had little experience in Washington, D.C. He worked tirelessly to convince voters that an outsider could lead effectively—an approach that ultimately both helped and hindered his political career.
When Carter took office in 1977, the U.S. economy was in crisis. The nation was grappling with stagflation—a mix of high inflation, slow economic growth, and rising unemployment. Despite efforts to reduce inflation through energy policies and government spending cuts, economic conditions worsened, undermining public confidence in his leadership.
The Iran hostage crisis also tested Carter’s foreign policy and negotiation skills. Fifty-two Americans were held hostage for 444 days in Iran, and a failed rescue attempt further damaged his standing. Many saw his handling of the crisis as ineffective. However, Carter prioritized diplomacy over military action, demonstrating his commitment to human dignity by refusing to abandon efforts to secure the hostages’ release.
Ultimately, economic struggles, the Iran hostage crisis, and a growing desire for stronger leadership led to Carter’s landslide defeat in 1980. Many saw him as a well-intentioned but ineffective leader, struggling to navigate both domestic and international crises.
Despite these challenges, Carter’s post-presidency became a model of humanitarian service. His work with Habitat for Humanity, global peace initiatives, and humanitarian missions earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, solidifying his legacy as a champion of human rights.
As an outspoken Christian, Carter’s faith played a central role in both his personal life and presidency. His deep commitment to Baptist principles—emphasizing service, human rights, humility, and integrity—strengthened his resolve to lead with a moral and humanitarian approach.
His presidency reflected his dedication to service through policies that prioritized human dignity. He pressured authoritarian regimes in Chile and Argentina to end repressive practices, even cutting off economic aid to nations that refused to address human rights abuses.
Carter’s commitment to conflict resolution was evident in his role in brokering the Camp David Accords, a landmark peace agreement between Israel and Egypt. Coming from a rural background, he had a deep compassion for the poor, which inspired policies aimed at rural development. His belief in forgiveness also led him to pardon Vietnam War draft evaders, a controversial yet morally driven decision.
As president, Carter brought ethical and moral leadership to the White House, something many Americans sought following Watergate. His commitment to social justice guided his firm stance on human rights in Latin America.
After leaving the White House, Carter continued his lifelong commitment to service. His desire to help the less fortunate led him to work with Habitat for Humanity, while his faith and dedication to global justice inspired him to establish the Carter Center, an organization focused on promoting peace and human rights worldwide.
Carter began working with Habitat for Humanity in the 1980s. Over the next four decades, he and Rosalynn Carter helped build more than 4,300 homes. Each year, Habitat for Humanity sponsors the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, a weeklong home-building initiative in the United States or abroad, which Carter launched in 1986.
“Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity defined him as a humanitarian who led a life of compassion, service, and social justice while broadening the organization’s profile and raising awareness of housing scarcity,” Trantham said.
Carter’s post-presidential work inspired world leaders, including Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Starting in Panama in 1989, he worked with the Carter Center to monitor elections, ensuring fairness and transparency in democratic processes. To date, the Carter Center has overseen more than 100 elections in nearly 40 countries.
In public health, Carter traveled to Nigeria and Kenya in the early 2000s to help reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. He also visited remote villages in Africa to assist in the eradication of parasitic infections, contributing to a 70% reduction in these diseases over time.
In 1999, President Bill Clinton awarded Carter the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his humanitarian efforts and contributions to democracy and public health.
“Younger generations would be wise to emulate Jimmy Carter’s lifetime of service and commitment to helping others,” Trantham said. “His work in democracy-building, global health awareness, and housing demonstrates that actions speak louder than words. Carter’s compassion and empathy sent a powerful message about thinking beyond ourselves to better those around us.”
