Campus Compact is pleased to announce that Dr. Julie White, chancellor and CEO of Pierce College District, has been awarded Campus Compact’s Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Presidential Leadership. The award recognizes presidents and chancellors from community colleges who have exemplified a deep and sustained commitment to civic and community engagement throughout their careers.
White is recognized for her deep commitment to equity, student success, and institutional transformation. She has served at a variety of institutions, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and research universities with roles in teaching, student services, academic administration, research administration, health education, and women's services.
She joined Pierce College in 2019 as President of Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. She became District Chancellor in January of 2023. She has been a Presidents Fellow and a Rising Presidents Fellow with the Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program. A first-generation student from a rural community, she is passionate about the role of community colleges in creating healthy, equitable, and thriving communities.
“Chancellor White leads with clarity, compassion, and conviction. Her vision for student learning is grounded in civic engagement and community partnership. Her goals for institutional transformation are motivated by a deep understanding of responsibility to place and community,” said Adán Espino Jr., director of external affairs at Mi Centro, in a letter supporting White’s nomination for the award. “As the sole Latino servicing organization in Pierce County, and close community partner to Pierce College, we have had the privilege of witnessing Dr. White’s transformative leadership firsthand—leadership that is deeply rooted in equity, student success, and authentic community engagement.”
“Dr. White’s tireless leadership at Pierce College and across the higher education field has made a transformative impact locally and nationally,” said Bobbie Laur, Campus Compact president. “By recognizing her with the Padrón Award, we are proud to elevate the work she is doing to create more effective and equitable systems that promote education as a pathway to economic mobility and social justice.”
The Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Presidential Leadership is presented as part of Campus Compact's Impact Awards, which recognize shining examples of meaningful, impactful higher education civic and community engagement work. Read more about the other awards and this year's recipients here.
The recipients of these awards will be recognized at Compact26, Campus Compact’s annual conference, which will be held in Chicago, Illinois, from March 16th-18th, 2026.