Dr. Carline Phillips graduated from East High School in 1964.  While a student attending East, Phillips was an active member of the library council, Orange and Black, pep club, and the mixed chorus swing show. 

After high school, she attended the University of Northern Iowa along with numerous other colleges before finally attaining her Ph.D in Curriculum and Instructional Technology in May 2000. 

Phillips is a published author in the educational field, specializing in both integration of technology for teacher preparation and multicultural approach to reading, writing and technology online.

Along with being in education her whole career, Phillips has been very active in civic and community affiliations.  These include early childhood programs, board of directors of Prevent Child Abuse in Iowa, Partners in Economic Progress, National Association of Black Secondary Educators, and chairperson of Literacy Army Volunteer Reading  Tutors.