Karen White
Program Director for the M.S. in Project Management
How did you first get involved in project management?
My career started as a programmer. After 10 years of learning new languages and writing code, I found that I much preferred leading others and helping them achieve their goals. That’s when I became a project leader and project manager within IT departments, which in turn led to project management consulting within many industries and professions, not just IT.
When did you start teaching college courses?
About mid-way through my career, I decided to take a year-long sabbatical to focus on volunteer work and map out the next phase of my career. During this time, I managed to write a couple of books, I got involved with several local organizations, continued to speak at industry conferences, and started teaching. I discovered a passion for teaching and advising and since then, I’ve been an adjunct at several institutions, teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate level.
Are you active in any community or professional organizations?
One volunteer activity that has been a constant on my path is the Project Management Institute where I served on the international Board of Directors, Chairperson of PMI’s Education Foundation, Chairperson of the Institute’s Ethics Review Committee while participating in the establishment of a global Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for the profession. I also support the local chapter in the role of President-elect. I also support the work on mental health for schools as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Center of Health and Learning in Brattleboro, Vermont.
How do you spend your personal time?
I am also a student, so my spare time is spent working on my dissertation and finishing up my degree course work. My long-term plan is to continue with my dissertation research, time and funding permitting, When I do have downtime, my husband and I love to travel internationally!
