The board of trustees of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana voted unanimously to appoint Lori S. White as DePauw’s 21st president. When she takes office on July 1, Dr. White will be the first African American and the first woman to lead the university.
Depauw University is a private educational institution with enrollments of about 2,150 students. African Americans make up 5 percent of the student body, according to the latest data supplied to the U.S. Department of Education.
“I am beyond excited to serve as DePauw’s 21st president and join countless others who have passed beneath DePauw’s iconic arch into a world of endless possibilities,” Dr. White stated. “Throughout the interview process, I’ve been deeply impressed by this community of extraordinary faculty who challenge students to think and learn broadly, supportive staff who care about each student’s experience and students and alumni who exemplify the transformational impact of a DePauw education. I knew from my first awe-inspiring moment in East College that I wanted to be part of DePauw’s history, tradition, passion and values that are truly ‘gold within.’”
Dr. White has been serving as vice chancellor for student affairs at Washington University in St. Louis. Earlier, she worked as vice president for student affairs and clinical professor of education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas; associate vice president for student affairs at the University of Southern California; associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at San Diego State University; and assistant vice provost for undergraduate education and director of undergraduate advising at Stanford University.
Dr. White earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and English from the University of California, Berkeley. She holds a doctorate in education administration and policy analysis from Stanford University.
