Biography
Professor White Ellis began her teaching career in Prague, Czech Republic, teaching general and business English courses. Her interest in traveling and teaching then brought her to Tallinn, Estonia, to teach adult language learners. Once White Ellis returned to the United States, she began teaching full time at the Community College of Rhode Island within the English department. White Ellis has been teaching full-time at Johnson & Wales University since 2010. In addition, she has developed courses for JWU Online and has been teaching for JWU Online since its conception at the university.
In January 2026, Dr. White Ellis was appointed Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning. In this role, she champions best practices in teaching and learning, supports academic initiatives aligned with the university’s strategic plan, and collaborates with faculty, deans and committees to strengthen programming that enhances student success.
In addition to teaching, professional development and leadership roles, White Ellis was the Board Chair of SunRise Forever, Inc., a nonprofit 501 (C)3 organization for two terms. SunRise Forever Inc. prioritizes humanitarian, educational and developmental activities within the State of Rhode Island, USA and the Republic of Liberia, West Africa.
White Ellis distributed school backpacks to underprivileged children in Liberia in rural areas for three consecutive years. Her involvement with the Liberian community in Rhode Island has enhanced her students learning within the JWU classroom by providing volunteer opportunities and global perspectives.
Education
PhD, Capella University
Postsecondary & Adult Education
MA, University of Rhode Island
Post secondary and Adult Education
BA, Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
Humanities/Literature
Johnson & Wales University
Experiential Learning Foundations
Institute for Experiential Learning
Certified Faculty Developer (CFD)
The Learning Resources Network
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition
Seth Magaziner, Member of Congress
“Feeding America.” White Ellis, C. (September 8, 2021)
https://www.wpri.com/feedingamerica/feeding-america-seafood-distribution-program-benefits-fishermen-people-in-need/
New England Educational Assessment Network
Open Education Association
Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education
International Society for Self-Directed Learning
University Scholarship and Best Practices Expo, “”How The Davis Grant Led To Experiential Learning Across the Curriculum”,” Johnson & Wales University, Center for Teaching and Learning, Providence, RI, United States. (April 12, 2024).
National Associations of African American Studies & Affiliates, “Bridging Culture & Community,” National Associations of African American Studies & Affiliates. (February 14, 2022).
International Society for Self-Directed Learning, “From Zero to Hero,” International Society for Self-Directed Learning. (February 10, 2022).
International Self-Directed Learning Symposium, “The Battle of the SDL Theorists.,” International Self-Directed Learning Symposium. (February 10, 2022).
International Self-Directed Learning Symposium, “I Get High With a Little Help From My Friends,” International Self-Directed Learning Symposium. (February 9, 2022).
SOTL Conference (Scholarship of Teaching & Learning), “Building Community Outside the Classroom,” Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). (October 8, 2021).
SOTL Conference (Scholarship of Teaching & Learning), “Transparency in Learning, Assignments and Outcomes,” Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). (October 7, 2021).