May 28, 2025
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University awarded the Nth Degree to retiring Pineville High School Principal Dr. Karl Carpenter upon his retirement at the conclusion of the 2024-25 academic year. Carpenter’s 45-year career in education left an indelible mark on countless students, educators and the broader community through his commitment to teaching, leadership and music education.
The Nth Degree is a special honor presented to individuals in recognition of unselfish devotion to duty and the willingness to go the extra mile in meritorious service.
Carpenter earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at NSU in 1979 and a master’s degree the following year. He began his educational career as band director of Oberlin High School, later serving at Winnfield Senior High and Tioga High School, where he transformed the band into one of the largest and most decorated in central Louisiana, earning regional, state and national awards.
Carpenter was named principal at Pineville High School in 2007. During 18 years at the school, he awarded nearly 4,500 diplomas to graduating seniors. He emphasized the importance of educators teaching students as individuals, stating, “They don’t teach chemistry. They don’t teach English. They don’t teach American History. They teach people.”
Beyond his administrative roles, Carpenter served on the board of directors of the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) for two decades. His service within LMEA includes serving as president, band division chairman, orchestra division chairman, and district director, reflecting his commitment to advancing music education in Louisiana.
Carpenter has been an important partner to NSU through the years. He facilitated the Dual Enrollment offerings at Pineville to provide streamlined services to students that enabled them to obtain Associate of General Studies degrees, which became a model for other high schools. Pineville has been the #1 feeder school to NSU over the last five years and leads other schools in the state in AGS obtainment rates. He has also facilitated NSU visits with all seniors and juniors each year, providing access to NSU opportunities for Pineville students.
Carpenter was inducted in NSU’s Hall of Distinguished Educators in 2010. He has been a Demon football season ticketholder for decades.
On May 14, the Louisiana House of Representatives passed House Resolution 171 to commend Carpenter on the occasion of his retirement as principal of Pineville High School.
