Dr. Ahmed White hails from Rochester, NY. He is happily married to his childhood friend, Leah, and they are the proud parents of four boys and a grandson. Dr. White is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Fisk University in Nashville, TN, followed by a Master’s degree from Tennessee State University. He further advanced his education by obtaining both his Ed.D. and Ed.S. degrees from Union University. As a talented educator, Dr. White has held various roles, including tutor, special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Executive Director.

Currently, Dr. White is the Founder and CEO of The Rock Academy Charter Schools, the first approved Opportunity Charter School in Middle Tennessee. This school is specifically designed for students who are often overlooked, underserved, and disconnected from the traditional education system. Dr. White firmly believes that every child matters, a conviction that guides all his leadership decisions. He advocates for educational equity, seeking innovative solutions to create a more level playing field for underserved populations. He concludes each day by telling students that he loves them, believes in them, and that there is absolutely nothing they can do about that!

Previously, Dr. White served as the Executive Director of Project Reflect Inc./Smithson Craighead Academy, the oldest charter school in Middle Tennessee. During his leadership, he transformed Smithson Craighead Academy (SCA) from the brink of closure into a desirable educational option within the greater Nashville community. Under his guidance, SCA earned recognition as a Tennessee Reward School and a Changemaker Charter School for its consistent growth. He successfully expanded the school by adding two grade levels, which doubled its enrollment and capacity for scholars. As the leader of Project Reflect, he also initiated GED and ESL classes, provided essential resources like diapers and food for families in need, and offered additional community support services.

Before his role in Project Reflect, Dr. White was the Principal of TW Hunter Middle School in Sumner County, where he led the school to achieve an impressive academic ranking of 31 out of over 500 middle schools. In addition to his school leadership, Dr. White has served as a state trainer for Superintendents and Administrators in TEAM evaluations. He was selected for the 2022 cohort of the AASA Urban Superintendents Academy at Howard University, which trains leaders who serve or aspire to serve in urban areas across the nation.

Prior to his time in Sumner County, Dr. White worked as a MIP Conduct special education teacher at Whites Creek High School in Nashville, TN, and served as a Teacher Counselor for Genesis Academy, a contract school focused on severe behavioral interventions. He has also held the position of Education Liaison for Monroe Harding Children’s Home, assisting students in a Level I group home in earning their GEDs and navigating their high school education while in custody.

---