A nationwide candidate search conducted by the University of North Alabama (UNA) has resulted in Dr. Kathleen White being named the institution’s new vice president for student affairs.
White officially assumed the position on July 1.
In announcing the beginning of her tenure at the university, UNA president Dr. Ken Kitts asserted that White’s background would serve the institution well in her new role.
“I am very pleased that Dr. White has accepted my invitation to become our Vice President of Student Affairs, and I believe she will be a wonderful addition to our campus community,” said Kitts in a release. “Having served other campuses in a variety of student-focused roles, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be beneficial to our students as well as to her staff in Division of Student Affairs.”
White has held numerous positions in higher education as both a staff member and classroom instructor.
Most recently, White served as the associate dean of students and student conduct and community standards director at Florida State University in Tallahassee. Prior to that role, she served as the vice president for student affairs at Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
White expressed her excitement in actively engaging with UNA’s student body and conveyed her intentions to bolster the institution’s standing “as a leader in public higher education.”
“I am honored to join the University of North Alabama, to be an active participant in the life of the campus, and to serve and advocate for the success of our students,” stated White. “The Division of Student Affairs is aligned well to engage and involve students in meaningful learning experiences and to strengthen the valuable partnerships that have helped UNA to be on an exciting trajectory as a leader in public higher education. This is a very exciting time at the University of North Alabama.”
According to the university, UNA’s division of student affairs encompasses all student-facing departments. The division oversees student counseling Services, housing and residence life, university health services, among other areas.
UNA advised that White’s interview process consisted of holding meetings with campus stakeholders and multiple students that she will interface with on a daily basis in her new role.
“I am very impressed by the people that I met and the genuine and authentic way in which they spoke of UNA, how committed they are to its success, and how they are driven to excel in every opportunity presented,” continued White. “I was attracted to the University’s Strategic Plan’s Themes, which specifically demonstrate ways in which the Division of Student Affairs can provide co-curricular opportunities while transforming the student experience, enhancing diversity and inclusion, and contributing to UNA’s institutional identity.”
According to White, she plans to “learn what people’s goals, hopes, and aspirations for themselves and how the University can help them accomplish their dreams.”
“The recruitment, retention, progression, and graduation of our students is a short-term and long-term goal and gaining insight as to how the Division of Student Affairs supports and compliments these milestones is critical,” she added. “Providing an exceptional experience for students is a very high priority, and being good stewards of all that has been entrusted to us will guide my efforts as we nurture students’ health, safety, and well-being at UNA.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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