Troy University is mourning the death of Dr. Dave White, a visionary educator and administrator whose leadership expanded opportunities for military students and helped transform the University’s presence in Phenix City.

White, retired vice chancellor of the Phenix City Campus, died Sept. 15 at the age of 78.

“Dave was a valued colleague and an outstanding leader who made a profound impact on Troy University,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor. “His innovative spirit helped move the University forward, particularly through the growth of distance learning. His distinguished Army career gave him a deep understanding of the needs of military students, and he played an instrumental role in expanding access to higher education for service members and their families. He will be greatly missed.”

White is remembered for leading TROY’s former University College Southeast Region and, later, the Phenix City Campus. He was instrumental in establishing the Riverfront Campus and led efforts to revitalize the city’s waterfront area.

Most of all, he is remembered as a friend, mentor and sponsor.

“Dave had an extraordinary way of making me feel seen, heard and valued. More importantly, he created the conditions for me to be successful. I thrived under his leadership because he trusted me,” said Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, who succeeded White at the Phenix City Campus and now leads the Montgomery Campus.

“Perhaps the greatest lesson Dave taught me was what genuine sponsorship looks like. He modeled what it means to speak someone’s name in rooms where they are not present—to advocate for them, create opportunities for them and open doors they may not even know are being opened,” she said. “I know that I am the beneficiary of Dave having done that for me, and it is a lesson I have carried forward in how I mentor and support others.”

White was deeply involved in community affairs, serving on the boards of the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Bicentennial Committee and the Art Park committee. During his decade of leadership in Phenix City, TROY’s Columbus and Fort Benning operations were consolidated under the Phenix City Campus, and ties with Chattahoochee Valley Community College were strengthened.

Before taking the helm of the Phenix City Campus, White spent 14 years working in University College and, later, Global Campus. He retired from TROY in 2020.

White served in the U.S. Army infantry from 1970 to 1996, retiring with the rank of colonel. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in 1970, a master’s degree in education administration from Georgia State University in 1975 and a doctorate from the University of Utah in 1983.

Kathy Ninas also worked closely with White as the longtime development director for the Phenix City Campus.

“I will always remember him as someone who cared deeply about the University, our community and the people in it. Dave’s commitment to community initiatives, willingness to help others and ability to bring people together made a meaningful difference. He gave his time and energy generously, often working behind the scenes to make things better for those around him,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have known and worked with him. His contributions will have a lasting impact on our community, and his absence will be deeply felt by colleagues, friends and the many people whose lives he touched.”

White’s full obituary is available through Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus.