When you meet Jennifer White, you quickly realize she’s not just earning a doctorate — she’s setting a new standard for what academic leadership looks like. A dedicated scholar pursuing her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Jennifer recently received the prestigious Joseph E. Pryor Fellowship — a national honor from the Alpha Chi Honor Society awarded to those who embody academic excellence and leadership potential.
Jennifer’s journey is a powerful blend of intellectual drive, personal growth and deep community involvement. She manages the demands of doctoral studies while staying grounded in family and service, showing what it means to lead with both compassion and purpose. Her goal? To become a professor who inspires others to learn boldly, lead with integrity and walk confidently in their God-given purpose.
With every step in her program, Jennifer continues to shine — not only as a student but as a future leader poised to make lasting contributions to education and beyond.
Just Call Her ‘Super Mom’
Born in the Northeast Texas region, Jennifer always knew she had a passion for helping those around her and edifying herself in the process. As a young woman, Jennifer went about her life the best way she knew how. Trying to finish school while simultaneously becoming a young mom, Jennifer always took on her challenges like a champion; never forgetting that kids, life and faith were all going to be a part of her story. Having waited until her mid-20s to attend college, Jennifer remembers when she started her college career at East Texas A&M, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion. Known as the mom of her class, Jennifer embraced her stage of life and began looking for ways to stay connected with students and encourage them to take their health seriously – a very mom thing to do, according to Jennifer.
“I was in class with people younger than me while I was in my late 20s, early 30s, and they were like 18,” laughs Jennifer. “The beautiful thing was that they would treat me with respect, knowing I wasn’t their age but also enjoyed coming over for mac and cheese because I could make it like their mom. I was getting to be a good influence and showing them that if I can do it with three kids, you can do it with nothing.”
Seeing her incredible leadership skills, it took no time for Jennifer to be offered internships and positions within her college community, specifically dealing with health and human service. Fast forward a few years, and Jennifer was being offered her first real job with the Health and Human Services Commission in Texas, working with the elderly and people with disabilities. This role, Jennifer says, was not only a great opportunity but also inspired her to go for her masters in public service and Administration. Having fallen in love with public service and working for the agency that she truly cared about, Jennifer believed this was the next big step for her career and her family’s well-being.
“When I started it, I realized how much I loved school and learning,” said Jennifer. “Going back to college, on full blast, was challenging, but it was something that I was determined to finish.”
As time passed and Jennifer’s family began to grow up, she had to start making some difficult decisions, including slowing down her school progress and looking for a job that could best fit her lifestyle and family dynamic. And what better way to make a change, and difference, than to teach. Running toward her second career, Jennifer began to teach middle school and high school English, something she never saw herself doing, but started to enjoy. Seeing how much her students needed her and her expertise, she pushed herself even harder and – finally – graduated with her master’s in public service and administration.
Looking back, Jennifer realized that she always wanted to do something meaningful in this world. Having worked in human services, university settings and even K-12 education, there was always the same silver lining: she had a heart for those who wanted to better themselves in a positive way. And so, with that motivation and determination, she spoke with her kids and told them she was going for her doctorate at ACU Online.
Jennifer White: Future Doctor, Mom and Scholar
When Jennifer started her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership degree, she felt way in over her head. Never in her life did she need to study, train and write like she did in her first few semesters. Feeling discouraged and overwhelmed with family and school, Jennifer wondered if she needed to take a break. Having taken a short hiatus from school, Jennifer found herself again wanting to finish what she set out to do. Requesting a return back into the program, Jennifer says she was welcomed with open arms. And in a small way, that’s all she needed: a program that believed in her and her success. Looking to specialize in positive leadership, Jennifer began researching how leaders and their styles can transform organizations in big and small ways. Over the next few years, Jennifer began to see herself as more than just a mom or student but rather a scholar, with a vision to inspire more students to study how topics like psychology, education and real-life experiences can redirect their research agenda and outlook on life.
During her time in the program, Jennifer remembers first hearing about the Joseph E. Pryor Fellowship from her professors–mentors who had long recognized her academic drive and leadership potential. At the time, Jennifer never imagined she would be chosen for such a prestigious honor. Though initially hesitant, she took their encouragement to heart and decided to apply. To her surprise and immense excitement, she was selected as the recipient, a moment she describes as both surreal and deeply affirming. Presented annually by the Alpha Chi Honor Society, the fellowship is one of the organization’s highest honors, with a $6,000 scholarship awarded to a doctoral student who has completed at least two years of graduate or professional study beyond the baccalaureate degree. While the recognition is not just financial support, it is a powerful affirmation of Jennifer’s commitment to academic excellence and the values she upholds as a leader and scholar. To be recognized by Alpha Chi is to be acknowledged among the top tier of graduate scholars nationwide – something Jennifer feels profoundly humbled and honored to receive.
“It’s just overwhelming to think about it,” said Jennifer. “When I do think about it, I think to myself that it wasn’t me, God did that. He’s the only one who opened that door.”
For her, obtaining her doctoral degree is a personal milestone and a reflection of the unwavering support she has received along the way. Jennifer says she will never forget how each person in her life encouraged her to pursue every opportunity, from her professors to her work supervisors to her family and kids. In more ways than one, their belief in her potential has been instrumental in shaping her journey. As she continues to pursue her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Jennifer carries this recognition with gratitude, humility and a renewed commitment to excellence. With the program’s support, she is more inspired than ever to fulfill her calling to lead, teach and help others realize the purpose and promise God has placed within them.
Are you interested in seeing how our programs can fit your life goals? Interested in hearing about how ACU Online can help you achieve your academic potential within our flexible, virtual classrooms? Visit our website today and learn more.
