Pierce College Names New Chancellor and CEO

from ShowCase Magazine: Spring issue 2023

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Dr. Julie A. Manley White was recently selected as the next chancellor and CEO of Pierce College District. Dr. White has served as president of Pierce College Fort Steilacoom since 2019, where she was proud to advocate locally, statewide, and nationally for resources and partnerships to support students and employees.

As a first-generation student from a rural community in Indiana, Dr. White understands the life-changing power of higher education. According to White, “My childhood shaped my values where I learned to work hard and know how important a strong community is.” White used those values and sense of community as she received her own education and then again and again as she advanced working at a variety of institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and research universities.

“I always wanted to go into education because I knew it was a really good fit for me,” she said. White has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester, a Master’s in Education in Counseling from Xavier University, and a B.S. in Education in English Literature from Miami University.

As the Chancellor and CEO, White will oversee the two college campuses at Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup as well as the off-campus programs at JBLM, Western State Hospital and the Special Commitment Center.

White believes that community colleges are the best institutions we have for transforming lives, advancing racial and social justice, and creating vibrant, healthier, and more equitable communities. "I am humbled and honored to continue and expand the incredible work at Pierce College to create equitable student access, success, and thriving communities," said White.

In her free time, White loves being in the outdoors.

“Moving to the Pacific Northwest has been fantastic.

I love the Olympic Mountains and all the water.” She is passionate about hiking, biking, and vegetable gardening. “I like to eat what I grow,” she said recently.

White assumed her new position as chancellor and CEO on January 1, 2023, where one of her first tasks will be the hiring of her replacement as President of Pierce College Fort Steilacoom.