Dr. Carmelita Teeter, MD, a distinguished alumna of MCU College of Medicine (Class of 1965), has led an inspiring and impactful career. She has served as Treasurer of the Manila Central University Medical Alumni Foundation (MCUMAF) since 2006, demonstrating steadfast dedication and integrity.

Following her graduation from MCU College of Medicine in 1965, Dr. Teeter specialized in EENT (Eyes, Ears, and Throat) in Manila. In 1969, she immigrated to the United States to further her medical training, eventually completing her residency in Psychiatry in Massachusetts from 1972 to 1976.

After residency, Dr. Teeter moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where she began her career as a psychiatrist. There, she met Dr. Norman Teeter, a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. Their shared passion for mental health and service brought them together, and they married in 1977.

After 15 years in Knoxville, the couple sought new opportunities. Dr. Norman Teeter was appointed Director of the Tennessee Drug Rehabilitation program in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and later at the Memphis Mental Health Institute (MMHI). Meanwhile, Dr. Carmelita Teeter continued her practice in state-funded psychiatric wards, eventually specializing in the Addictive Disorders Ward.

When the Addictive Disorders epartment was privatized, Drs. Norman and Carmelita Teeter competed successfully for the license to operate the clinic. Their facility quickly became overwhelmed with patients seeking help for addiction. Building on this success, they opened three more clinics in Tennessee and expanded into Kentucky, establishing six additional clinics. After years of operating these mental health clinics, the Teeters decided to transition out of direct management, selling the clinics in 2004. They remained active as
consultants in their fields.

Drs. Norman and Carmelita Teeter, though without children, have dedicated themselves to philanthropy both in the United States and the Philippines. Their generosity includes donations to various charities, support for military and missionary work, and sponsoring medical missions, free surgeries, and medications for those in need. They have also hosted and cared
for foreign exchange students, treating them as family.

The couple are the leading donors to the Scholarship Program of MCU College of Medicine, having contributed approximately $175,000 to their alma mater’s students over the years.

In addition to their support for MCU, Drs. Norman and Carmelita Teeter stablished a significant endowment fund with Western Illinois University (WIU), Dr. Norman Teeter’s alma mater. Their charitable lead unitrust, valued at over $20 million, represents the largest planned gift in WIU's history and will provide lasting support to the university for at least 20 years after their passing.

They are also regular donors to local universities in Tennessee, including the University of Tennessee and the University of Memphis, further demonstrating their commitment to education.

Dr. Carmelita Teeter holds the distinction of being the first to receive the title of Mrs. Manila Central University. This honor reflects her lasting bond with her alma mater, as well as her achievements and leadership. Dr. Teeter continues to inspire through her grace, commitment, and tireless service to her profession and community. The Beauty Pageant project, one of MCUMAF’s fundraising initiatives from 2006 to 2018, generated proceeds that largely benefited the Scholarship Program of MCU College of Medicine. Dr Teeter won the contest with a donation of $46,000.

Outside her professional and charitable endeavors, Dr. Teeter enjoys participating in weekly rosary prayer groups within her community. She is also passionate about cooking and gardening, hobbies that bring her joy and relaxation.

Since 2006, Dr. Carmelita Teeter has served as Treasurer of MCUMAF, Inc. Her tenure is marked by integrity, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. She has managed the foundation’s finances with transparency and full accountability, working closely with the organization's long-serving CPA, Mr. Romeo Coronacion.

In 2021, Dr. Teeter faced false accusations of financial misconduct by an individual, who later led an internal audit of the MCUMAF financial funds. The audit found no anomalies or irregularities, however. Unfortunately, the incident resulted in a split within the medical alumni organization in the United States. Dr. Teeter endured this period of distress in silence, maintaining her commitment to the organization and its mission.

Dr. Carmelita Teeter’s unwavering service and dedication have earned her recognition and gratitude from her peers and the broader community. This is the most prestigious award by MCUMAF to individuals who gave years of “unselfish service & dedication “ to the organization, to benefit our Alma Mater MCU College of Medicine and it's students.

The Legacy of Dr Carmelita Teeter is truly extraordinary. Her life story serves as a shining example, how each of us, in our own way, can make a difference in the world and humanity.

Drs Norman C. and Carmelita B. Teeter of Memphis Tenn., have set up an endowment that will support Western Illinois University for 20 years after their deaths. It is Western's largest planned gift ever.