Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks Distinguished Alumni Q&A

Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks Distinguished Alumni Q&A

Lake campus alumna Wendy White '95 with Cathy Whitfield '93 at Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks' Business Alumni and Student Holiday Social.

Wendy White

Executive Director – Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Degree Info, Date of Graduation: Associate of Science in Business Administration, 1995

Family members:  Rick White, husband; Ashley Kile, daughter; Austin White, son

Hobbies:  I am very involved with the Miss America Organization on a local level. When I have spare time, I enjoy organizing and decorating my home.

Favorite Movie and/or TV Show:  I’m a reality show junkie and enjoy everything from Design on a Dime to American Idol.

Favorite kind of music/favorite artist/song: Adult Contemporary/anything by Michael Buble

Favorite Book:  “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” - Dr. Seuss

Favorite Food:  Pasta

Favorite subject in college:  Business

When I was 10 years old, I wanted to be a ______?  Nurse

What are your memories of your time at Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks? It was a time of great personal growth. I married very young and didn’t think I would be able to go to college.  During my time at Columbia College, I not only earned a degree but gained the confidence to grow in my career.

What moment in your life are you the proudest of?  There are many but most recently seeing my son graduate from Columbia College.

What piece of advice would you impart to a student prior to graduation?  "Go the extra mile; it's never crowded." - Gym Motivations

Talk about your journey and what lead you to Columbia College-Lake of the Ozarks:  I began college as an adult student. I was married, had three children and worked full-time. College was always something I wanted to do and the eight-week evening sessions at Columbia College’s Lake campus allowed me to begin my journey. After obtaining my associate degree, I continued and obtained my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Without Columbia College, I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today.