Bob White

Member

Robert (Bob) White is the Dean of Instruction at Butte Community College, where he oversees scheduling and program logistics to ensure a seamless educational experience for students and faculty. Bob co-chairs the Program Review and Recommendation Committee, responsible for evaluating and approving all new programs introduced at the college. He also serves on the Curriculum Committee, which oversees all existing courses and programs to maintain the highest standards of quality and relevance with our transfer institution. Bob's work responsibilities and committee work position him optimally to foster curriculum-based partnerships between Butte College and Inspire High School. By focusing on programs like dual enrollment opportunities and facilitating smooth K-12-College transitions, he aims to be a resource for Inspire leadership to serve Inspire students in defining and reaching their educational goals. Bob's educational journey began at Butte College after initially pursuing his passion for music as a professional percussionist. His love for rhythm and creativity led him to explore the sciences, where he discovered a passion for physics. He earned bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics before attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he received a Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in strange behavior in arcane system (thesis title paraphrased). Following his doctorate, he became a post-doctoral fellow at The Scripps Research Institute, developing bioinformatics tools to study protein interactions. Bridging physics and biology, his work contributed to advancements in understanding complex biological systems and has now been made obsolete by recent advances in artificial intelligence. Before stepping into his current administrative role, Bob served as the STEM Dean at Butte College and spent over 14 years teaching Physics and Engineering courses. His extensive background in both instruction and administration has equipped him with a deep understanding of educational pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Passionate about fostering opportunities in arts, science, and career training, Bob is committed to empowering students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. He is eager to contribute to the school's mission of inspiring creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills in the next generation.