Presented by the John M. Belk Endowment, the honor is awarded to a community college president who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and made a lasting impact on both their institution and the North Carolina Community College System. White was recognized for exceptional commitment to workforce development, innovation and student achievement.

“White led Haywood through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, historic flooding, and the closure of the county’s largest employer, the Pactiv Evergreen paper mill,” a March 13 announcement reads. “Under her leadership, the College secured over $3 million in grants to expand workforce training in high-demand fields, launched new programs and implemented cutting-edge instructional technologies. She has fostered strategic partnerships with four-year universities, businesses and community organizations while advocating for workforce training at local, state and federal levels. Her leadership has also driven long-range strategic planning, resulting in increased enrollment and expanded student support services.”

White began her tenure as president of Haywood Community College on Jan. 1, 2020. Prior to her current role, she served for 18 years at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, including five years as vice president of economic and workforce development.

A graduate of Isothermal Community College, White received her Ph.D. in education from Western Carolina University.