Posted on Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Texas Southern University has named Dr. James White as its inaugural Vice President-Governmental Affairs and Civic Engagement.
Dr. White represented District 19 in the Texas House of Representatives from 2011 to 2022. His time in the House included serving as Chair and Vice Chair of the House Corrections Committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.
“I am excited to bring my experience as a state legislator, educator, academic scholar and author, state-level executive, and entrepreneur to Texas Southern University,” White said. “I believe those experiences, coupled with the relationships I’ve built and maintained in Austin over the years, will enable me to contribute a perspective that will facilitate the University in accomplishing its mission that is centered around student success.”
In this role, Dr. White will serve as liaison between the University and federal, state, and local elected and appointed officials and other institutions and organizations and coordinate special projects and activities to enhance understanding of and foster commitments to the University’s legislative funding priorities. He will also develop and implement an ongoing legislative strategic plan and represent TSU in a leadership capacity on the national, state, and local levels of policy-making boards, committees, and industry organizations.
“Dr. James White served East Texas with great passion and success during his 11 years as a legislator,” said Interim President Dr. Mary Evans Sias. “We look forward to all he will bring to Texas Southern that will ensure legislative success and foster deeper civic engagement with the community that is our home.”
In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Dr. White will promote positive relations with schools and other organizations concerned about higher education for children through employee and staff volunteer involvement.
He is a native of Houston’s Third Ward and a veteran of the United States Army. He earned his officer’s commission, a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Houston. He stepped down from the state House to serve as the executive director of the Texas Funeral Service Commission.Category: Faculty & Staff, News Media, Students, Alumni