Golden Gate University Names Brent White as Its 8th President

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Golden Gate University (GGU) Board of Trustees today announced the appointment of Brent White as the university's 8th president. White, a proven higher education leader with extensive experience in global engagement, academic innovation, and student success, will begin his term on November 1, 2025.

White currently serves as Chief Global Officer at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, where he directs all aspects of global engagement for the campus, and as Professor of Law at the William S. Richardson School of Law. He previously served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Golden Gate University, leading the creation of new programs and international partnerships that significantly expanded the university's student body and its global impact. Prior to his time at GGU, White served as Vice President for Global Affairs and Dean of Global Education at the University of Arizona, where he led the university's transformation into one of the world's most global universities, including 13 micro-campuses in nine countries.

"Brent White is the right leader to guide Golden Gate University forward. He brings the experience, vision, and values we need at this pivotal moment," said Board Chair Melinda Dunn.

She continued, "Guided by three exceptional qualities that set him apart: the courage to rethink traditional models of higher education, a track record of forging high-impact partnerships, and a talent for aligning vision with execution, we believe President-elect White will accelerate our progress and steward an ambitious transformation. With a distinguished background that includes raising millions to support multilingual global education, strengthening enrollment pipelines through innovative collaborations, and creating global models that opened new doors for nontraditional learners, he brings exactly the leadership we need as we chart GGU's future."

White expressed his enthusiasm about returning to GGU:

"I'm honored to lead Golden Gate University at this moment of extraordinary possibility," said President-Elect Brent White. "GGU's strength lies in its people, its innovative spirit, and its San Francisco roots at the center of the AI revolution. With nearly 6,000 students worldwide and a home in one of the world's great cities, GGU is poised to lead in shaping the future of higher education."

White earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from New York University School of Law, and his A.B., magna cum laude, in Public Policy from Duke University.  His legal scholarship has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, National Public Radio, and 60 Minutes.

About Golden Gate University 

Founded in 1901, Golden Gate University (GGU) is a nonprofit institution of higher education located in the heart of San Francisco's financial and technology district. For nearly 125 years, GGU has empowered working adults and nontraditional students through career-focused education in law, business, technology, taxation, and public service. With small class sizes, and a distinguished faculty of industry professionals, GGU prepares graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Learn more at ggu.edu.

SOURCE Golden Gate University