Tom White serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration program. His professional career involves experience in all aspects of sport; teacher-coach, athletic director, college coach, school district athletic administrator and school administrator.
Mr. White's 41-year career in education, athletics and coaching education spans from Appleton West High School in Wisconsin to the Capistrano Unified School District in Southern California, with stops in La Puente, San Clemente, Capistrano Valley High School and at Saddleback Community College.
Prior to coming to Concordia to begin the MCAA program, White was the Director of Athletics and Activities for the Capistrano Unified School District. His responsibilities included the development of the Capistrano Coaching Education program, the implementation of the "Pursuing Victory with Honor" sportsmanship program and providing leadership for the athletic and activities programs which serve the 51,500 students in this public school district.
While at Concordia, Mr. White helped begin the MCAA program 2005 with twelve graduate students. Currently over 300 students are enrolled at four campus locations and in an online curriculum delivery system. The MCAA program has become a recognized leader in the field of athletic education, viewing coaching and athletic administration as an academic discipline while responding to and implementing change in the world of athletics.
Professional contributions include service on the Governor's Task Force on Drug Abuse, National Track and Field Advisory Board, CIF Southern Section Track and Field Advisory Committee, CIF Southern Section League Representative, CIF Coaching Certification Instructor, and CIF Sports Ethics Committee. White has presented at regional and national conferences and seminars in the field of coaching education and athletic administration. Additional honors include being named "Teacher of the Year", California Track and Field "Coach of the Year" and named "Coach of the Year" on nine occasions.
Tom is the proud father of two daughters. Carin Searby, his oldest, is a UCLA graduate currently living in New York City with her husband Fred and newborn granddaughter Camille. Daughter Katie is a fourth-year medical student at the University of California-San Diego Medical School, expecting to complete her studies in June, 2009.
He feels very blessed and thankful to be in the position in life to help students attain their personal goals and dreams.