Dr. Alisa White Sole Finalist for Sam Houston State Presidency

According to a release from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Chancellor Brian McCall has selected Dr. Alisa White as sole finalist for the presidency of the university. Dr. White, currently president of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, was selected from a field of 120 candidates following a national search.

Dr. White, a Texas native, previously served as vice president for academic affairs at the University of Texas at Tyler and Midwestern State University. During her tenure as president of APSU, the university has experienced record enrollment growth, added new academic programs, increased its endowment, completed several large capital projects, and elevated its athletic program.

Dr. White earned a Ph.D. in Mass Communication and an M.S.L.S. degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and a B.A. in Business from Lee College (now Lee University) in Cleveland, Tennessee. In addition to her experience in Tennessee and Texas, she has held faculty and leadership positions in Alaska, Louisiana, and Georgia. Dr. White and her husband, Elliott Herzlich, a jeweler, have three married children and four grandchildren, with another grandchild due in July.

Dr. White said, “I spent several days on Sam Houston State University’s campus last year and, as impressed as I was by its beautiful architecture and grounds, I was even more impressed by campus community members who embrace the university’s role as a transformative agent in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. I appreciate Chancellor McCall for his confidence in me, and I appreciate the Texas State University System regents for their consideration.”

Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period before the Texas State University System’s governing board can consider Dr. White’s nomination. If confirmed, she will become Sam Houston State University’s 14th president, succeeding Dr. Dana Hoyt, who is retiring after 10 years of outstanding service to the university.