Alva C. Carter Sr., 68, was pronounced dead at the scene following the single-car accident, the ]]> The president of the Eastern New Mexico University Board of Regents was killed today in a traffic accident near Portales.

Alva C. Carter Sr., 68, was pronounced dead at the scene following the single-car accident, the Portales News-Tribune reported. The newspaper quoted State Police Capt. Jimmy Glascock as saying Carter was driving east on N.M. State Highway 202 near the intersection with U.S. Highway 70 when, “for unknown reason, his vehicle traveled off the south side of the road and struck a tree, which caused the vehicle to overturn.” The vehicle came to rest upside down.

“The Eastern New Mexico University community is saddened to learn of the sudden death of Mr. Alva Carter, president of the ENMU Board of Regents,” Steven Gamble, ENMU president, said in a statement released by the university. “Mr. Carter’s commitment to the university and his strong support of this community was well-known, and he will be sorely missed. Our sympathy goes out to his wife, Mary Helen, and his entire family.”

Carter, who lived with his wife in Portales, was the brother of Bob Carter, chief of staff to outgoing U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce.

A native of San Jon, Carter earned a bachelor of science degree from West Texas State University in 1962 and a master’s of business administration from Eastern New Mexico University in 1970. He retired as assistant principal of the Portales school system in 1968, according to ENMU’s Web site.

Since then he has been active in agriculture at both local and national levels. A past president of the New Mexico Peanut Growers, he served on the National Peanut Board. At the time of his death, he was a member of the national corporate board of Dairy Farmers of America, as well several other local and national dairy boards.

He was the owner of Big Valley Auto in Portales, Carter’s Milk Factory and AC Farms.