Michael White, who has served the U of A for more than 26 years in various roles within finance and, for the last six years, as associate vice chancellor for financial affairs, will retire Dec. 31.

"Mike has led his organization admirably with a level of financial stewardship that is beyond reproach," said Ann Bordelon, executive vice chancellor for finance and administration. "I wish him well and appreciate his many years of service to our university."

On July 1, 2024, Cale Fessler moved into an expanded role in financial affairs — assuming additional responsibilities in anticipation of White's retirement.

White joined the university in 1998 as an associate controller. His duties have included responsibility for accounting, treasury and all Bursar operations, preparation of the university's annual financial report, oversight of internal controls and operating efficiencies, compliance with financial regulations and standards, oversight of the business office and related offices, management of the university's fixed assets and long-term debt, and the financial management of capital projects.

White is a native of Dardanelle and earned a degree in accounting from Arkansas Tech University. He worked for 12 years with the Arkansas Division of Legislative Audit, where he conducted audits of state agencies, cities, counties, public school districts, education service cooperatives and institutions of higher education, including the U of A.

"I have enjoyed all my years at the university and can't imagine what my life would have been like anywhere else," White said. "The University of Arkansas is a special place. I have had the privilege of working with a lot of great people at an institution that I dearly love. As a native Arkansan, I grew up a fan of the Razorbacks, but I quickly realized that the university is so much more than that. It's been an extremely rewarding experience to contribute to our institutional growth by fulfilling our university's mission and serving our students."

An open reception to celebrate White's retirement has been scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House, located at 491 N. Razorback Rd. White says he and his husband, Bao Bui, a U of A class of 1998 alumnus, plan to eventually relocate to Palm Springs, California — a place that has been a second home to them for years.

"I have no concrete plans for life other than continuing to grow, learn and contribute to something bigger than myself," he said. "We look forward to experiencing things we've not had the time or opportunity to do before. No matter where we go, the university and the state of Arkansas will always have very important places in my heart."