The childhood home of Chris and Linda White was Hart County in northeast Georgia. Their high school romance has resulted in fifty-three years of happy married life, two sons and six grandchildren. Chris's career has been in higher education, as a faculty member, an Academic Dean, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, and president of two universities for thirty-two years. He is currently Chowan's first Chancellor. Linda was an educator who retired to become a university First Lady.
The Whites came to Chowan in summer 2003. At that time the school was nearing closure. In the fifteen following years the school experienced the most significant growth in the 170 history. The enrollment more than doubled, as did the endowment and campus acreage. All buildings were renovated, and many new buildings constructed. Importantly, the finances have never been stronger.
Chowan College was transformed into Chowan University with an improved academic standing in the region.
The Whites live and operate as a team, and both have received many awards. Both have received the coveted Spirit of Chowan Award. The school's new housing area was named Whites Crossing to recognize them and their families. Both have received an honorary doctorate from Chowan University.
In addition, Dr. White was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest citizen's honor. They enjoy conducting international study-tours, and Dr. White has written several books and recorded fifteen piano CDs.
Since joining the Chowan community, the intercollegiate athletic program has been revolutionized, including changing the mascot from Braves to Hawks to comply with the NCAA mandate. Linda is arguably one of the Hawks' most ardent fans. She has supported all improvements to the programs and facilities. Both enjoy getting to know the parents and grandparents of the student-athletes.
The following is a selective list of the athletic achievements during the Whites' Chowan years. The program was upgraded from NCAA DIII to NCAA DII with membership in the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) during the transition years. Conference memberships have been earned in the CIAA and the Conference Carolinas. Effective next year, football and women's bowling will remain in the CIAA. All other sports will compete in the Conference Carolinas.
With NCAA DII membership came the opportunity to give athletic scholarships. The budgeted scholarship amount is currently well over two million each year.
Several sports have been restarted, including men and women's tennis and men's soccer. A significant number of new sports are now offered: men and women's lacrosse, men and women's cross-country, men and women's swimming, women's bowling, women's golf and men and women's JV basketball.
In order to be competitive in the NCAA DII arena significant upgrades to athletic facilities were required. Renovated facilities include the Helms Center (air conditioned arena, Bynum Brown Aquatic Center, and the Strength and Conditioning Center) and the Pond Football Center (with its NFL class weight room). New facilities include the soccer/lacrosse stadium, the Vincent Athletic Center for soccer and lacrosse, the Rose Family Tennis Complex, and the Brave Hawks House.
During the Whites' tenure numerous team championships have been won. In the earlier years funds were not available for championship rings. That changed. One of Dr. White's proud possessions displayed in his Chancellor's Office is a case which holds thirteen championship rings, with three more to be added this fall.
