Kevin White Named Charlotte Director of Athletics

CHARLOTTE, NC — Kevin White has been named as the next Director of Athletics at UNC Charlotte as officially announced by Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber Monday morning. White assumes the top spot in the athletic department after spending the previous four years as Deputy Director of Athletics at Clemson University.

"I am honored to join Charlotte at such an exciting time," White said. "Charlotte has tremendous potential, strong institutional support, and a passionate fan base. I look forward to working with Chancellor Gaber, our coaches, staff, student-athletes, and supporters to build a championship-driven culture and position Charlotte Athletics for sustained success."

"My family has been incredibly supportive of me throughout my career and will continue to be an important part of what we do at Charlotte," added White." My wife, Jari, our oldest son Justin and his wife Sunita, along with Kamden and Kinley could not be more excited to join me as part of Niner Nation."

White will lead Charlotte Athletics as the program continues its upward trajectory in the American and positions itself for sustained competitive excellence. He will be officially introduced at a public press conference Thursday, Feb. 26 (4 p.m.) in the third floor salons at Halton Arena.

"Kevin has helped lead a standout athletics program at Clemson and brings the vision, energy and leadership necessary to elevate Charlotte 49er Athletics," said Gaber. "He understands what it takes to compete and succeed in today's environment and has a proven ability to strengthen programs, build meaningful partnerships and position athletics departments for sustained growth. We are confident he is the right leader to help Charlotte reach the next level."

White joined the Clemson athletic department in April of 2022 and helped lead several of the Tigers' strategic campaigns, facilitated significant student-athlete wellness growth, facility enhancement, athletic success, operational efficiency and served as a connection point for the Board of Trustees.

White also assisted in running the day-to-day operations of the department as the second in command, playing a key role in the Athletic Department's relationship with University leadership on several key issues.

In addition, White maintained a consistent presence in Clemson's in-house multimedia rights organization and its NIL programming and developed relationships as the sport supervisor for the three-time national champion and seven-time College Football Playoff participant football program and 2024 Elite Eight men's basketball program. White worked closely with Football Head Coach Dabo Swinney and Men's Basketball Head Coach Brad Brownell to ensure their programs are positioned for success on and off the court/field. He also served as a lead administrator, helping to construct revenue share agreements, and was heavily involved in negotiations with student-athletes and agents. White led the effort to partner with ESM, a world class marketing agency, which has competitively positioned Clemson to bring legitimate NIL deals to student-athletes through commercial partnerships.

Prior to his time at Clemson, White served as a Deputy AD and Chief Operating Officer at Northwestern (2017-22) and as Chief Operating Officer at Southern Methodist University (2014-17). He began his administrative career at Georgia State (2009-14).

White, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina, where he was a member of the junior varsity basketball team. He also earned a master's degree at Georgia State and an MBA at Kennesaw State.

Industry consulting firm TurnkeyZRG led the search for the new Director of Athletics with Chancellor Gaber (chair), UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees (BOT) Chair Dontá L. Wilson '97, BOT member David R. Ravin '94 and Senior Associate AD for Governance and Regulatory Affairs Katie Renaut serving on the search committee.

"It was clear to the entire search committee that Kevin brings the experience, strategic vision, and leadership Charlotte needs at this pivotal moment," said Wilson. "He understands how successful athletics programs elevate a university's visibility, strengthen institutional pride, and contribute to the vitality of a city and region. I am confident he will position our athletics program, and our University, for even greater success."

White becomes the eighth Director of Athletics at Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS HISTORY

Harvey Murphy – 1965-1972*

Bill Foster - 1973-1975*

Lee Rose – 1975-1978*

Clyde Walker - 1978-1984

Jeff Mullins – 1985-1990*

Judy Rose – 1990-2018

Mike Hill – 2018-2025

Kevin White – 2026

*also served as head men's basketball coach

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING …

"We are thrilled to welcome Kevin White and his talents to the American Conference. Kevin delivers on experience and is a proven innovator. We look forward to his contributions and leadership at Charlotte and across the conference"

--Commissioner of the American Tim Pernetti

"Charlotte has made an excellent selection in Kevin White to lead its Athletic Department as he will serve the entire University and its student-athletes with the highest integrity. He is a servant leader that brings a wealth of critical experience which will be invaluable throughout the 49ers community. Congratulations to Chancellor Gaber, Kevin and the entire White family - his wife Jari and their three beautiful children Justin, Kamden, Kinley - as they begin this next chapter."

--ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D.

"We are extremely excited for Kevin, Jari and their family. I can't say enough about the type of man, father, and colleague he is. Charlotte is getting a steady, trusted leader in Kevin White. He's been a critical member of our leadership team and his integrity is unquestioned. His connectivity and engagement within daily operations, our front office, and fundraising has been a critical driver of our success. His work both behind the scenes and on the front lines gives him wide-ranging perspective to serve as an Athletic Director, and we are excited for the 49er community."

--Clemson Director of Athletics Graham Neff

"I am excited for Kevin and his family. Kevin did a great job for us at Clemson. He is well-prepared and is a great fit for this opportunity at Charlotte."

--Clemson Football Coach Dabo Swinney

"I've been able to work closely with Kevin over the past several years and I am extremely happy for him and his family. He's well equipped for the ever changing landscape in college athletics. Charlotte got a good one and I wish Kevin the very best."

--Clemson Men's Basketball Coach Brad Brownell

Click here to read article