November Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Virginia White – Leading with Equity, Collaboration, and Heart
Riverside City College proudly recognizes Virginia White, Ph.D., professor of biology, as this month’s Faculty Spotlight. A committed educator and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in STEM, White’s work continues to shape how faculty engage with students and one another across disciplines.
Virginia White was nominated for her exceptional leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) across Riverside City College. Through her work with Escala training programs, Faculty Learning Communities and efforts to embed servingness into program review and planning, White has helped transform how faculty and staff approach teaching and institutional culture. Her dedication to culturally responsive practices has extended beyond her own classroom, where she intentionally builds confidence and belonging among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students, to a broader campus movement that promotes equitable learning experiences and collaborative growth. Her cross-institutional projects with Cal State San Bernardino have also been recognized at several conferences, highlighting the measurable impact of her leadership and innovation.
White’s nomination also reflects her deep commitment to service and mentorship. As co-chair of the Program Review Committee and GEMQ Learning Council, and an active member of the Student Equity Committee and HSI Equipo Task Force, she has demonstrated remarkable advocacy for both her students and colleagues. She has been instrumental in organizing STEM Connections events that foster community and engagement among students, faculty and clubs — helping to make STEM at RCC both accessible and inspiring. Her work with the Faculty Development Committee has brought nationally recognized, HSI-focused keynote speakers to Flex days, enriching the professional development of faculty districtwide. As one colleague noted, “There are only a handful of faculty who have as much positive impact as White,” underscoring why she is so deserving of this honor.
White earned a bachelor’s in biology and mathematics from Wake Forest University and a doctorate in botany from the University of California, Riverside. She began teaching at RCC the following fall, bringing with her a passion for plant sciences and student success. Since joining the College, she has become a driving force in equity-centered teaching through her involvement with ESCALA, Faculty Learning Communities, and the Equity-Minded Learning Institute. She holds multiple ESCALA certifications in culturally responsive teaching and has been invited to serve as a trainer for the national Escala Facilitator Program—a recognition of her expertise in fostering servingness at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Her leadership extends well beyond the classroom. As principal investigator on multiple federal grants, including STEM en Familia (NSF HSI 2018), Inclusive Opportunities for Nurturing STEM Success (DOE Title III 2021), and Closing STEM Student Academic Performance Equity Gaps (NSF HSI 2021), White has advanced initiatives that strengthen pathways from high school to college and promote culturally responsive STEM education. These projects have built bridges across institutions and earned recognition at regional and national conferences for their innovative, student-centered outcomes. Most importantly, many students who participated in those grant projects have continued on in STEM, have transferred, and continue to work in research laboratories at their transfer universities.
When asked what motivates her, White shared:
“I do this work because of our students and the colleagues I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with. They ground me and remind me why this work matters. As a white woman, I recognize the responsibility that comes with privilege—to stand beside my students and use my position to advocate for systemic change.”
Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, White exemplifies the power of collaboration and compassion in creating meaningful, lasting change. Riverside City College celebrates her commitment to transforming STEM education and her dedication to ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and capable of success.
About the Faculty Spotlight Award
The Faculty Spotlight is a monthly recognition presented by Riverside City College’s Student Equity Committee. The award highlights both part-time and full-time faculty who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Faculty who create inclusive classrooms, champion equity for student groups, and strengthen the campus community are celebrated through this honor.
Anyone may nominate a faculty member for recognition. Nominations may reflect sustained DEIA leadership, innovative practices, measurable outcomes, collaborative engagement, or service that dismantles barriers and promotes student success. To submit a nomination, please complete the [Faculty Spotlight Nomination Form].