Amy White is the Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Workforce Solutions at Virginia Western Community College. Before White worked in education, she worked for a consulting firm in Charlottesville focused on environmental toxicology. She has taught biology at Hollins University, James Madison University, and Virginia Western Community College. White has a bachelor’s degree in biology from James Madison University, a master’s in microbiology and immunology from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Certificate in Field Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She grew up in Botetourt County.

1. What is your proudest accomplishment over the course of your career?

My proudest accomplishment would be the team of faculty we have at Virginia Western and some of the programs we have started, namely programs that were not in place prior to me working at this level. We have started an agriculture program as well as a biotechnology program. I'm really proud to bring these programs and these opportunities to our community.

2. What made you interested in working in education?

It was rather on accident. I am very passionate about biology. I started teaching at Hollins just to try it out, and I ended up loving it. I had two wonderful years teaching at my alma mater, James Madison University. It was super exciting to be teaching there, but I was living in Botetourt County and the commute wasn’t sustainable. I applied to an open position at Virginia Western and was fortunate enough to be offered a full-time role. I quickly realized the power of the community college, which I had not been exposed to prior to getting the job.

3. What is your favorite part of your role at Virginia Western Community College?

The faculty I get to work with. They’re so passionate about the content they deliver. It’s powerful that we have a team so committed to excellence in STEM education and that we offer opportunities to students that may not be seeing those opportunities elsewhere.

4. What projects are you currently working on at Virginia Western?

One of the most exciting projects is a merger where we are bringing workforce into our academic programming. We're calling it a "one-door" approach to education. I like to think we offer a spectrum of opportunities. I am working on establishing workflows that offer students a seamless opportunity to better themselves and reach a new academic level, whether that’s a certificate they can use in the workplace, a degree they can use to transfer to a four-year school, or something in between.

I’m also working on a regional biotechnology effort and creating pathways and opportunities through that program. In this project we have been able to enhance our programming at the College, as well as participate in multiple outreach activities with our K-12 partners.

Lastly, we received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to create curriculum and career pathways for agriculture technicians. Through this grant, we are merging our agriculture program with our mechatronics program to offer students the opportunity to learn the skills needed for technicians that work in agriculture. Food security is very near and dear to my heart, and this is a really exciting opportunity for future students.

5. I saw you received the STEM Goes Red “Roanoke Women in STEM” Award from the American Heart Association. What was your reaction to hearing you had received this award and what does it mean to you?

I was very humbled and flattered. I work very hard to make sure Virginia Western is well-known in the community, but I don't do any of this work for the accolades. To have that honor bestowed on me was a real accomplishment, and it was very touching because I loved working on the STEM Goes Red program in conjunction with the AHA.

6. What are you looking forward to learning more about as a GO Virginia Region 2 council member?

One thing that excites me about this work and this initiative is that I like to think and work regionally. I look forward to seeing what is going on in other parts of the region and offer support where I can.

7. What is one of your favorite parts of living in GO Virginia Region 2?

The outdoor assets. I'm very agriculturally focused, and we have such amazing natural resources and beautiful landscapes.

8. What activities and hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?

I am an avid gardener. I love to do that on our farm in Botetourt. My children are very interested in our family farm as well, and I like to support that in every way that I can.

9. What is the most memorable place you’ve ever visited?

The Galapagos Islands. The rawness, primitiveness, and wildness of that land was life-changing.