Katherine (Kay) Elizabeth White Ph.D. passed away 6/20/2023 at age 82 surrounded by love. Born in Jacksonville, Florida she was raised near Washington D.C. Preceded in death by her parents; Frank White and Helen L. Webb-White, and sister Marcia Gantt, she is survived by her niece Lisa Cook, nephews Andrew (Stephanie) and Matthew Gantt, and many students and loving friends.
Kay’s zest for higher education began as a student at the University of Maryland where she was the President of Alpha Delta Pi, was a Mortar Board Student and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating, Kay became a volunteer for the Peace Corps where she taught English and Science at the Njala Teacher’s Training College in Sierra Leone. Her volunteer work provided her the opportunity to meet former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and Sgt. Shriver, the first Peace Corps Director. Upon her return from West Africa, Kay resumed her own education eventually earning both a Master’s and Doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration at Michigan State University.
Kay’s illustrious career at MSU included roles as Residence Hall staff, the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs under the Dean of Student Offices, and the Student Affairs Dean in the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her career allowed her to touch hundreds of students as they launched their own careers in medicine.
After retirement Kay volunteered at Yosemite National Park, Big Bend National Park, and visited more than 50 National Parks and Native American reservations as a guest. She also enjoyed reading, playing bridge, movies, playing violin in the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, and traveling the world with her loving sidekick Janet Quensen. Her greatest source of pride was being a tennis student of the legendary Billy Jean King.
All are invited to her Celebration of Life which will be held on 7/7/2023 from 5-8 PM at the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, 6380 Drumheller Rd. Bath Twp, MI. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Kay E. White Expendable Scholarship AS0029 which can be mailed to University Advancement Spartan Way 535 Chestnut Rd. Rm 300 E. Lansing, MI 48824 or gifts can be made online through givingto.msu.edu. Donations will also be welcomed at St. Vincent DePaul at St. John’s Parish in East Lansing, MI.
