White, Robert I., 1908-

President Robert I. White's background was in the field of education. He initially taught in elementary and secondary schools. He then became president of a junior college and, later on, a professor at the University of Chicago. He arrived at Kent State University in 1946 and assumed the position of Dean of the College of Education. In 1958, White became the first Vice-President of Academic Affairs. Upon President George A. Bowman's retirement from the office of president, White became the sixth president of Kent State University following a nine month search by a faculty-trustee committee. He took the oath of office on October 25, 1963. His tenure as president spanned eight years from 1963 until his retirement in 1971.