Tonya L. White, DBA

Current Title & Duties

As the Program Director for the MBA in Healthcare Management, Dr. Tonya White exemplifies academic leadership through her stewardship of a curriculum that champions academic rigor and industry relevance. She spearheads strategic planning, accreditation efforts, and the integration of cutting-edge healthcare management practices into the program's offerings. Dr. White's role in course development is pivotal; she not only authors and updates course material but also orchestrates the development of new courses in collaboration with experts to keep pace with sector advancements.

Biography

Dr. Tonya White serves as the Program Director for the MBA in Healthcare Management, blending a diverse background in academic administration and corporate management. Her experience as Associate Dean of Online Learning saw her overseeing the expansion and refinement of virtual learning systems, demonstrating a commitment to educational innovation. With a history in hospitality management that includes steering the operations and staff of multiple departments, Dr. White's approach to fostering customer-centered service is grounded in efficiency and effectiveness.

In her capacity as a small business owner, Dr. White functions as a solution-focused life coach, complementing her extensive work in guiding professional development as a former Director of Career Services. Her leadership in career services has been characterized by the development of comprehensive programs that support career progression, reflecting a nuanced understanding of vocational growth strategies.

Academically, Dr. White's role extends to teaching and developing courses with a focus on diversity and inclusion, as well as developing and leading first-year experience programs. Her commitment to education is evident in her dedication to crafting curricula that prepare students for the complexities of the healthcare sector. Her passion for educational excellence is reflected in her ongoing efforts to align the MBA program with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry, preparing students to navigate and lead in a dynamic professional environment.

Research / Research Interests

Dr. Tonya White's research interests lie at the intersection of mindset development and organizational growth, examining how positive psychological frameworks can influence and drive business expansion and project success. She has authored several papers exploring the nuances of how a constructive mindset contributes to the efficacy and outcomes of growth projects, positing that the attitude and mental approaches of individuals within organizations are critical to the vigor and direction of business development.

Dr. White's scholarship extends to the realm of marketing ethics, a field that questions the moral principles behind marketing decisions and their broader implications on society and business integrity. Her most recent work in this area, a co-publication titled "Marketing Ethics? Does anyone care?" scrutinizes the ethical considerations that today's marketers must navigate. Presented at the International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines (IABPAD) Conference Proceedings in Dallas, Texas, this paper reflects her deep dive into the often-overlooked ethical dilemmas present in modern marketing practices and their impact on public trust and business performance.

Her research not only contributes to academic discourse but also serves as a practical resource for businesses seeking to cultivate an ethical, growth-oriented culture. Dr. White continues to be actively engaged in research that pushes the boundaries of conventional marketing and business strategies, fostering a dialogue on the critical role of ethics and mindset in the current corporate landscape.

Academics, Education, Certifications

Dr. Tonya White's educational background is a testament to her dedication and excellence in her field. She completed her Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from Argosy University in Sarasota, FL, in February 2012, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her academic journey also includes a Master of Business Administration from Webber International University in Babson Park, FL, obtained in July 2008 with a near-perfect GPA of 3.9. Dr. White's commitment to understanding the human elements of business is further illustrated by her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Columbia Southern University, completed in June 2023, where she once again achieved a 4.0 GPA.

Dr. White's academic accomplishments also include a Bachelor of Science in General Business from Webber International University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in December 2006, with a minor in Professional Business Writing. Dr. White is currently completing a second Masters in Science in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University with a completion date set for Fall 2024.

Her extensive education is complemented by a series of certifications that enhance her coaching and counseling repertoire, including the Myers Briggs-Type Indicator certification from the National Board for Certified Counselors and certifications as an Advanced Level Academic Coach and Tutor by the National Tutoring Association.

As a Certified Life Coach and Solution-Focused Coach specializing in Mindset and Personal Development from the Universal Coach Institute, Dr. White is well-equipped to guide clients, staff and students alike, through transformative growth. Moreover, she holds certifications in Social Media Strategy, Digital Advertising, and Inbound Marketing/Sales from HubSpot Academy, reflecting her comprehensive skill set in both traditional and digital marketing disciplines.

Dr. White maintains an active presence within the academic community, keeping pace with emerging trends and participating in scholarly discourse, which demonstrates her persistent engagement with her fields of expertise including marketing, mindset development and ethics.