Draft:Juanita Greer White

Juanita Greer White (November 19, 1905 — September 18, 1997) was in American politics, legislation, and academia. She held a role as a regent for the University of Las Vegas.

Early Life

Juanita Greer White was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 19, 1905, to Harry Goldsmith and Cleio E. (Greer) Greer. She started her education at Agnes Scott College in Georgia where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Despite the challenges faced by women in her era, White did not let anything hold her back. She broke barriers by pursuing her passion and achieving her Doctorate in Physical Chemistry from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1929.

Career

Between 1924 and 1952, White's journey through academia and research was marked by a series of diverse experiences that shaped her into a remarkable individual. From her trailblazing work on Adsorption (the process by which a solid holds molecules of a gas or liquid or solute as a thin film) at Johns Hopkins to her role as a research chemist for esteemed institutions like Bell Telephone Laboratories and the Deluxe Laboratories of 20th Century Fox, she demonstrated a deep-seated passion for advancing knowledge and innovation.

One of the pivotal periods in White's life occurred while she served on the Nevada Southern University Land Foundation from 1966 to 1971. Her dedication led to the acquisition of over 250 acres of land, laying the groundwork for the eventual development of the University of Las Vegas (UNLV) campus. This act alone reshaped the educational landscape of Las Vegas, laying the groundwork for future generations of learners to thrive.

As a Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education member and the president of the Nevada State Division of the American Association of University Women, White actively shaped educational policies and fostered collaboration among different states. Her dedication to education was evident from her contributions towards promoting educational initiatives and strengthening partnerships among various states.

However, White's dedication to education continued. She took her passion to the Nevada Legislature, where she served from 1971 to 1973. While there, she passionately advocated for bills and resolutions to improve public education and fight for marginalized groups' rights. White's efforts left a lasting impression on Nevada's educational landscape.

In essence, White's story is not just about her professional accomplishments—it is a testament to the incredible impact passion and dedication can have. Through her commitment to education and community, she influenced institutions, leaving behind a legacy that deserves recognition and honor.

Legacy, Membership, and Honors

• Appointed the Nevada Commissioner for the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education from 1965–1974
• Served on the Nevada Board of Regents from 1963 to 1971
• Served in the Nevada legislature as an Assemblywoman in 1971 and 1972
• Co-chair for the Committee on Educational Compact
• Member of the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women
• Member of the American Association of University Women
• Served as Nevada's delegate to the National Convention for over ten years
• A charter member of the Nevada Southern University Land Foundation
• Recipient of the Distinguished Nevadan award, Outstanding Alumna award, and Citation award
• Recognized in the Who's Who of American Women
• Has the UNLV's Juanita Greer White Life Sciences Building in her name, dedicated in 1976

Death and Remembrance

On September 18, 1997, Dr. Juanita Greer White died in Boulder City, Nevada, at 91. She was a trailblazer for women in science and a vocal supporter of higher education, and her hard work has left a lasting imprint on public education in Nevada. Her legacy will always be remembered as an inspiration for her commitment to promoting education and advocating for women's scientific achievements.

References

Juanita Greer White | University of Nevada, Las Vegas Juanita Greer White Distinguished Lecture Series | School of Life Sciences | University of Nevada, Las Vegas Juanita Greer White Guide to the Juanita Greer White Papers UNLV Digital Collections