Dr. Angela Michelle White is a distinguished figure in higher education, currently serving as the Senior Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Retention Management (SERM) and Associate Professor of Biology at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU). In her role as Senior Vice President for SERM, Dr. Angela White is instrumental in shaping the future of JCSU through data-informed strategies aimed at enhancing student recruitment, retention, overall student success, and the effective management of financial aid. Her innovative approach and dedication to student advancement have consistently yielded significant positive outcomes throughout her career.
Spearheading Strategic Enrollment and Retention at JCSU
Before assuming her current position, Dr. Angela White served as the Dean of the JCSU University College and Student Success. In this capacity, she demonstrated her exceptional ability to develop and implement impactful initiatives. Dr. White launched four new evidence-based programs focused on student success and retention, which resulted in remarkable improvements across key metrics. These initiatives led to a 3% increase in student persistence, a substantial 72% growth in spring-to-spring enrollment, a 13% improvement in the retention rate for first-time students, a 19% overall increase in enrollment, and an impressive 62% rise in the number of student-athletes achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. These achievements underscore Dr. Angela White’s data-driven and results-oriented leadership style.
Distinguished Academic Background
The foundation of Dr. Angela White’s successful career is built upon a strong academic background. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, followed by a Master of Science in Biology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Demonstrating her commitment to educational advancement and student learning, Dr. White further pursued and obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Psychology from North Carolina State University. This rigorous academic training has equipped Dr. Angela White with a deep understanding of educational principles and practices, which she effectively applies in her leadership roles.
Years of Success at North Carolina A&T
Prior to her tenure at JCSU, Dr. Angela White dedicated 13 years to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, culminating in her position as Assistant Dean of Student Success for the College of Science and Technology. Throughout her time as Assistant Dean, she consistently showcased outstanding leadership and strategic thinking. Her efforts led to a 9% increase in the College’s undergraduate enrollment, a significant 39% rise in freshmen enrollment, and a 6% improvement in the first-time, full-time retention rate. Furthermore, Dr. Angela White successfully established a revenue-generating corporate partnership framework, which significantly increased funding available for student success programs. She also developed a transformative scholarship enrichment program, providing enhanced financial support and opportunities specifically for STEM students. Her innovative evidence-based advising model was pivotal in fostering a greater sense of belonging among students, thereby boosting student retention and overall success rates. Additionally, her strategic initiatives contributed to a notable increase in enrollment within programs that had previously experienced low enrollment numbers, highlighting her effectiveness in driving both institutional growth and enhanced student outcomes.
Broader Impact and Scholarly Contributions
Beyond her institutional leadership, Dr. Angela White is actively involved in the broader academic community. She is a fellow of the Partnership for Undergraduate Life Sciences Education (PULSE), demonstrating her commitment to advancing life sciences education. She is also the 2025 American Psychological Association (APA) Division 15 program co-chair, indicating her leadership in educational psychology at a national level. Moreover, Dr. Angela White serves on several advisory boards for projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), contributing her expertise to national initiatives in STEM education and research. As a Critical Educator and Scholar-Activist, Dr. White is passionately committed to addressing and dismantling systemic educational and social inequities. She actively works to create pedagogies, policies, practices, and programs that are socially just and culturally relevant, ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.
Research Focus on STEM and Equity
Dr. Angela White’s scholarly work is deeply rooted in research focused on crucial aspects of student development and success, particularly for African American students in STEM fields. Her research interests encompass racial identity, science identity, science self-efficacy, metacognition, mixed methods research, student success strategies, and STEM achievement. Drawing upon the framework of critical race theory, her research critically examines the influence of power dynamics and societal structures on the experiences and identity formation of African American/Black students within STEM disciplines. Dr. White’s significant contributions to the field are reflected in her publications in prestigious peer-reviewed journals, including Contemporary Educational Psychology, Race Ethnicity and Education, and the Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering. These publications underscore her scholarly rigor and commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Community Engagement
Currently, Dr. Angela White is leading a National Science Foundation Broadening Participation Research (BPR) project entitled “The Development of a Multidimensional STEM Identity Measure to Increase the Retention and Success of African American Students at an HBCU.” This project highlights her ongoing commitment to securing funding and leading research that directly benefits African American students in STEM. Further demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community impact, Dr. Angela White is the co-founder of NoireSTEM LLP. and the founder of Angela M. White Educational Consulting Firm, LLC. Through these ventures, she actively contributes to initiatives designed to improve access and achievement for African Americans pursuing STEM degrees and careers. Adding to her commitment to service and community, Dr. Angela White is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a public service sorority committed to sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
In conclusion, Dr. Angela White stands out as a dynamic and accomplished leader in higher education. Her strategic vision, data-driven approach, and unwavering dedication to student success have consistently produced significant positive outcomes throughout her career. As Senior Vice President for SERM at Johnson C. Smith University, and through her broader scholarly and community engagements, Dr. Angela White continues to make a profound impact on the lives of students and the landscape of higher education.
