Whitney Richardson White, PhD – 2026 40 Under Forty Honoree
Name:
Whitney Richardson White, PhD
Current job & city you reside in:
Research Analyst II at RTI International. Currently located in Raleigh, NC
Degrees awarded by ECU and years received:
Masters of Science Education, 2013
Degrees awarded by other institutions and years received:
Bachelors of Middle Grades Education, 2009 (UNCW); Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education, 2019 (NC State)
What does it mean to you to be selected as a 40 Under Forty honoree?
It is amazing to be recognized by my alma mater as a 40 Under 40 honoree. Years ago I decided that the children in my classroom (and every classroom) deserved an advocate to believe in them, support them, and give them a path to the life that would bring them the most joy. I grew up in a small, coastal community in eastern North Carolina. My family did not have much money and I did not have an “easy” life. As a first generation college student, I wasn’t convinced my dream of being a college graduate would ever be realized, let alone that my path would lead to opportunities to make such a difference in the lives of students across the country. Today I know the work I have contributed to has directly impacted classrooms across multiple states, and curriculum I helped develop has been used nationally and internationally.
Looking back, what moment during your time at ECU had the biggest impact on your career path?
My Master’s thesis was the first time I had been asked to thoroughly conduct field research and report my findings. I had never written this way before: exploring methodology, coding data, and using academic language to convey my overall message. I did not realize it at the time, but that experience not only helped me develop an art form I already loved (writing) but also helped me discover my passion for research.
Is there a professor or mentor at ECU that still influences you today?
The professor who had the biggest impact on my time at ECU has now retired. Dr. Frank Crawley was a professor and my advisor. His classes were tough but I learned so much from him and he was very supportive. Thank you, Dr. Crawley!
What accomplishment in your career are you most proud of so far?
Throughout my career I have had many amazing experiences and accomplished things I never dreamed possible. However nothing feels quite like the thing I am most proud of. In 2018 I received an Instagram message from a former student telling me she had graduated from her undergraduate program and was attending medical school at East Carolina University that fall. In her message she wrote, “Before your science class I never had a teacher who really loved teaching, especially teaching science. And I never had a female science teacher who made me believe that science was for girls like me. But you made it okay to be a girl who loves science, and I am so grateful for the example you set for me.”
What does leadership look like to you?
To me, leadership is walking beside someone to guide and support them, or providing them with the skills/resources necessary to walk on their own. Whether in the classroom, the community, or in my current work, I believe that strong leaders don’t tell others what to do; rather, they allow exploration of thought. Leaders should be the first ones willing to try something new but also take responsibility for helping the group overcome inevitable hurdles. Leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about leading others to eventually surpass you.
Service and social responsibility are central to the 40 Under Forty recognition. How do you strive to make a positive impact in your community?
Community involvement has always been a big part of my adult life. As an educator I have seen firsthand the needs within our communities, especially among the most vulnerable populations (namely children and those experiencing poverty). The contribution of individuals and organizations who are able and willing to give back is immeasurable. I deeply believe that all children deserve a safe place to sleep at night and a full stomach before they go to bed. Therefore I have spent my adult volunteer time focusing on organizations that support families in poverty, and have served as a board member and eventual president of the Capital City Clauses, a charitable organization that supports families in need during the holidays as well as throughout the year. Through my membership at Highland United Methodist Church in Raleigh, I have volunteered to feed women experiencing homelessness in the women’s shelters, and supported families escaping domestic violence through community support organizations. Programs such as these provide necessary support to change the lives of impacted people. The greatest tool for serving our community is ensuring that we take care of the basic needs of the humans around us. When people have adequate food, shelter, and basic survival tools, they are more able to reach potential that may have seemed too far out of reach.
What advice would you give current ECU students who want to create meaningful impact in their careers and communities?
Everyone has something they’re passionate about. Everyone can make a difference. Find what sets your heart on fire and do it. Your job, your hobbies, and your daily routines can all be a part of something bigger if you want it be — just figure out what that connection means to you. And remember that we’re all in this together, so if you have the chance to build a bigger fence, tear it down and build a bigger table.