Karen White

Dr. Karen A. White, 72, passed away on April 11, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was hit by a car on her early morning walk. Born on July 30, 1951 in Joplin, Missouri, Karen had a life long career as a professional violinist, private violin teacher, music professor and collegiate administrator.

A concert violinist who performed regularly as a soloist, symphony musician, and chamber music recitalist, Karen served as concertmaster of the Baton Rouge Symphony, the New Orleans Pops and Ballet Orchestras, and the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra. She toured as a violin soloist in China.

Karen earned her BSE in music education from the University of Arkansas and completed both her Master and Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Arizona.

Karen started her career in academia in the late 1970's as Professor of Music at Southeastern Louisiana University. As she moved into Collegiate Administration she served as the Executive Assistant to the Chancellor of the University of Maryland, Assistant to the President of Wright State University, and a consultant to the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. She was the Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Nebraska, Omaha from 1993-2003. Upon retirement in 2009, Karen was the Regional Chancellor of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus. In each appointment she fostered extensive change in the communities and a student centered philosophy.

During her years in the St. Petersburg community, Karen volunteered at Clothes 2 Kids, traveled extensively with friends, relished time with her book club, and pursued her hobbies-sewing, crafting, walking and playing pickleball.

She was preceded in death by her parents, A. Roy and Mary Angeline (Wright) White of Joplin, Missouri. In addition to friends, relatives, former students and colleagues, Karen is survived by her sister, Vicki White Miltun and her brother-in-law, Dr. David Miltun, of Seattle, Washington.

Memorial services will be held at 11:30AM on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Inurnment will follow in the Garnett Cemetery in Garnett, Kansas. Donations in Karen's memory can be made to Clothes 2 Kids, 1059 North Hercules Avenue, Clearwater, Florida 33765. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com