&A
with
Alisa White, Ph. D.
A new leader has been named at
Sam Houston State University. In
July, Alisa White, Ph. D. was confirmed
as the 14th president of
the university.
Dr. White, a Texas native, has
served as president of Austin Peay
State University in Clarksville,
Tennessee since 2014. She also
previously served as vice president
for academic affairs at the
University of Texas at Tyler and
Midwestern State University.
Dr. White and her husband, Elliott
Herzlich, a jeweler, have three
married children and five grandchildren.
She succeeds Dr. Dana
Hoyt, who retired after serving as
president of SHSU since 2010.
Q What led you to Sam Houston State University?
A As a native Texan who spent 16 years working in Texas higher education institutions, I
am familiar with Sam Houston State’s reputation for providing transformative educational
opportunities to students. Sam Houston State is known nationally for its student success
initiatives and several academic programs. The short answer is that I share the University’s
values. I also was able to do a deep dive into many areas of campus operations more than a
year ago when I served on an external committee for the institution’s 10-year cycle accreditation
review and found the University to be in great shape. Add to all of those reasons,
Sam Houston State’s beautiful campus, friendly students and employees, and the area’s
welcoming communities, and I knew my husband and I would love the opportunity.
18 | HUNTSVILLE LIVING | FALL 2020