It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Roderick White, a distinguished figure in the legal and academic communities of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Pastor White's remarkable journey from a promising student to a revered educator and leader leaves an indelible mark on those who knew him.
Pastor White attended Southern University Laboratory School, where he graduated magna cum laude. His academic excellence earned him a scholarship to Southern University A&M College, where he continued to excel, graduating magna cum laude and first among 330 graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management.
He furthered his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, where he earned a master of business administration degree as a graduate of high distinction and a juris doctor degree cum laude from Wayne State University Law School. His academic pursuits also included a diploma in Jewish-Christian Studies.
Roderick White's professional journey was marked by significant contributions to labor law and education. He began his career as a supervisor of labor relations for General Motors Cadillac Motor Car Company in Detroit, eventually joining the GM Corporate National Labor Relations staff. His expertise led him to Dykema Gossett, one of Michigan's largest law firms at the time, where he handled much of GM's outside employment litigation.
In 1993, Pastor White returned to Baton Rouge to join the law faculty at Southern University Law Center (SULC). He taught legal ethics and the Law of Contracts, with a particular interest in hermeneutical interpretation. His dedication and expertise led to his appointment as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in 2003, Vice Chancellor in 2013, and eventually Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs in 2016. He served in this role until his retirement in July 2019.
Throughout his career, Pastor White's influence extended beyond the classroom. He was a member of the Governing Council of the Louisiana State Law Institute from 1998 until his retirement in 2019 and continued to contribute as an adjunct professor of law at SULC. He was also active in several professional organizations, including the Louisiana State Law Institute Corporations Committee, the Michigan Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National Honor Society of Business Scholars, and the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools.
Pastor White was more than an academic and legal professional; he was a licensed attorney and ordained minister, embodying a life of service and dedication. His passing is a significant loss to the Southern University community and the broader legal and academic fields.
Roderick White's legacy of excellence, integrity, and commitment to education and law will continue to inspire future generations. He leaves behind a profound impact on his students, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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