White Named Campus President and Chief Academic Officer at Wildwood
White joins Wildwood from Florissant Valley, where he served for nine years as the dean of science, technology, engineering and math. Prior to this, he taught science at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Mo. He began his career as a professional in the field of environmental protection, working in Puerto Rico and Atlanta, Ga.
“Wildwood is a vibrant campus with a top-notch group of faculty and staff,” he said. “I look forward to joining the team, immersing myself in the campus community and doing my part to continue the important work of preparing the next generation of students for career and educational success.”
White holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Missouri State University, a master's degree in biology from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga., and a doctorate in higher education administration - instructional leadership from Lindenwood University. His dissertation, Deciding on Science: An Analysis of Higher Education Science Student Major Choice Criteria, explores the motivation of students entering the educational field in the sciences.
Andrew Langrehr, Ph.D., STLCC’s vice chancellor for academic affairs, noted that White’s experience in STEM education should aid the College as it embarks on STLCC Transformed, the $400 million initiative to modernize facilities and create programs to support the workforce needs of the region.
“Given that Wildwood is planning to expand its offerings in health sciences and STEM by constructing two new buildings in the coming years, I believe Dr. Stephen White is the perfect choice to serve as the next campus president and chief academic officer,” Langrehr said. “His background in STEM education and his prior leadership experience will be a wonderful addition to our College leadership team.”
White will begin his new role on July 1. He replaces S. Carol Lupardus, Ph.D., who is retiring after 21 years at STLCC.