Shreveport-Bossier Community Honors Dr. Mary Lois White as ATHENA Leadership Award Finalist

Shreveport-Bossier Community Celebrates Leadership and Impact

In the vibrant city of Shreveport, we have an inspiring story brewing, one that showcases the incredible impact of community engagement led by a dedicated individual. Meet Dr. Mary Lois White, the dean of the LSUS College of Business who has become a beacon of hope and leadership in our area. With her remarkable involvement in both the campus and the larger community, White has been recognized as one of the 16 finalists for this year’s prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award. This award is given to those who exemplify professional excellence while actively supporting their community, particularly in empowering women.

A Heartfelt Honor

When asked about being a finalist, Dr. White humbly replied, “I truly appreciate the recognition and am honored to be recognized with such tremendous community leaders. I love the Shreveport-Bossier community, and we are fortunate to have so many great organizations that actively work in many different areas to support its development.” Her acknowledgment of the local organizations showcases her deep affection for the community she serves.

Event Celebration

All finalists, including Dr. White, will be honored at the ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon taking place this Thursday. Out of the esteemed group of leaders, one will be chosen as the recipient of the ATHENA International Leadership Award. This can be a turning point for the winner, as it highlights their commitment to leadership and community service.

Professional Accomplishments

As the head of a thriving college of business with nearly 7,000 students, Dr. White has played a vital role in helping the institution break recent enrollment records. Notably, more than half of these students are women, which is a significant statistic that reflects the changing demographics in business education.

Dr. White’s leadership has also been instrumental in extending the college’s accreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It’s worth noting that only about six percent of business schools achieve this prestigious accreditation. This status allows LSUS to attract high-quality students, both in-person and online.

Engagement through Innovation

One of the shining examples of engaging students creatively is the Pilot Pitch program. This initiative supports students in crafting their business ideas, pairing them with mentors from the local business community. Since relaunching in 2022, this program has garnered attention for its effectiveness in fostering innovation and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr. White noted, “Pilot Pitch has been a great way to engage with the local business community through the volunteer mentors who meet with the students to develop their proposals.”

Another innovative tool making waves is the Economic Dashboard, which is a resource offered by the LSUS Center for Business and Economic Research. This dashboard provides valuable data to local businesses, aiding them in making informed decisions. As White puts it, “The Economic Dashboard is not only a great source of information for our community members, but also a great conversation starter.”

Fostering Connections

Furthermore, Dr. White has initiated a Business Student Networking event that connects students with local business leaders. These efforts are all aimed at expanding opportunities for students, helping them sharpen their professional skills and build essential relationships.

Community Roots

Dr. White’s commitment to community involvement isn’t just a recent phenomenon. Since her arrival as an economics faculty member in 2008, she has been deeply engaged with various local organizations. Today, she serves as the vice-chair of Slow Food North Louisiana and has been involved with Robinson’s Rescue, the Philadelphia Center, and several other nonprofits dedicated to community improvement.

The Future Looks Bright

With her vast experience and a passion for uplifting others, Dr. White emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community ties in her work. She states, “The relationships I have cultivated through my work with nonprofit organizations have proven instrumental in advancing various initiatives within the college.”

As we prepare to honor all ATHENA finalists this week, it’s clear that Shreveport-Bossier is fortunate to have leaders like Dr. Mary Lois White. Her journey showcases the power of engagement, dedication, and community spirit, offering a shining example for us all to follow.