Chris Carter was named Illinois State's assistant strength and conditioning coach after he completed his master's degree from ISU in exercise physiology in 2008. In 2012, Carter was named the Director of Sport Nutrition for all 17 Illinois State athletics programs, in addition to his strength coaching duties. Carter currently serves as the Director of Sports Nutrition and the Men’s Basketball Athletic Performance Coach.

Before he was hired as an assistant strength coach, Carter served as a graduate assistant for the Redbirds while he obtained his master's from 2006-08. He also volunteered as an assistant during his undergraduate studies from 2005-06, and Carter earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from Illinois State in 2006. Carter gained professional experience by completing an internship at the Performance Training Center in Portland, Ore., in 2006. In 2015, Carter received a second bachelor's degree in dietetics.

A native of Ingleside, Illinois, Carter is a Registered Dietitian, certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (SCCC). He resides in Normal, Illinois, with his wife, Amanda, son Cruz and daughter Aubrey.