Speaker: A. Quinton White, Jr. Ph.D.
A. Quinton White, Jr., Ph.D. began his career at JU in 1976 as a Visiting Assistant Professor and then went on to start the marine science program (1978), serving as Department Chair, Division Chair, Dean of Arts and Science and retires in August, 2024 as Executive Director, Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) and Professor emeritus of Biology and Marine Science. He was Professor the Year in 1987-88. He has traveled extensively taking students, literally, across the globe.
In 1997-98, he was an American Council of Education Fellow at Elon University. Dr. White has authored numerous research/technical papers or reports and has received grants and contracts. His research focused on the history of human impact on the St. Johns River, manatees, and water quality issues. He served as a consultant to the City of Jacksonville’s Waterways Commission for over 30 years. The MSRI opened in 2010 and is the first and only LEED certified Gold building on campus.
Dr. White has been active in the Jacksonville community and received a number of awards for his service. He was President of Leadership Jacksonville (1992-93), the Museum of Science and History (1996-97), and the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc.(2008-09). He was the Biologist for the Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament for 30 years.
He was a founding member of the St. Johns Riverkeeper. Dr. White writes a monthly column in the Florida Times-Union called “River Life” about river related issues which he hopes to turn into a book. He has been active with OCEARCH at JU, working to establish their headquarters at Mayport. Florida. Not bad for a guy who thought he would be at JU for 2 years.