White brings ‘helpful and approachable nature’ to human resources office at SCC

Kim White, a Whiteville native, stepped into her new role as Human Resources Director at Southeastern Community College in April this year. Balancing the best interests of the college and its employees, White describes herself as the “middleman” making sure all the processes are followed. She wants all employees to be equipped with the tools they need to succeed in their role. 

As HR Director, White manages recruitment, benefits, compliance, and employee relations while supporting staff development and institutional goals. Her role touches nearly every aspect of the employee experience at SCC, ensuring smooth processes and positive outcomes for staff and the college alike. 

White’s favorite part about being SCC’s HR Director is watching employees grow professionally and seeing their contributions to the college. Already equipped with HR experience in previous jobs, White applied for the HR Director position at SCC to “keep learning new things” and grow professionally in a “natural next step” role that came open. 

“Working as the Payroll/Benefits Specialist previously, most of what I did came right after what HR did,” White said. “I’m one of those who likes knowing from beginning to end how to do something. Since I already knew a lot of the processes that HR does, it made it easier coming into this role.” 

As the HR Director, White wants to guide employees through their next milestones, whether that means advancing to the next level in their careers or navigating the retirement process. Having a helpful and approachable nature, White aims to provide employees with clear answers and dependable support. 

“Like I did in the payroll office, I take pride in improving processes and supporting people along the way,” White said. “I’m excited about this chapter and the chance to contribute to something meaningful. Southeastern represents growth, opportunity and what’s possible when people believe in community colleges.” 

White remembers a time when the path to success seemed limited to a four-year degree. She’s proud that SCC has changed that narrative by offering accessible, hands-on programs that prepare students for real-world careers. From her HR perspective, she sees how SCC’s focus on workforce training has strengthened both the community and the regional job market. 

“Becoming the HR Director has pushed me out of my comfort zone a bit, but I still feel like I can talk to people and get to know them,” White said. “I pride myself on people feeling comfortable talking to me because sometimes, you do have to have those tough conversations.” 

White is a 1999 graduate of Whiteville High School, and she is an SCC alumnus with an associate’s degree in business. She graduated from UNC Pembroke with her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. White began her SCC career in January 2022 as the Payroll Specialist, and then she became the Payroll/Benefits Specialist. 

As an SCC student, White previously worked at a local business in downtown Whiteville, where she learned how to interview new applicants and handle onboarding paperwork. After that, she spent 20 years working for her family’s business, where she managed all human resources responsibilities. 

State benefits, retirement and insurance were big drawing points for White to come to work at SCC. Working in the private sector, she said she did not have benefits and wanted to provide better for her family. 

Outside of work, White enjoys spending time with her husband of 15 years, Wesley White, and their three children, Everett, Elle and Tripp. She loves relaxing with Netflix while at home. She enjoys traveling, cruising, attending festivals, shopping, supporting small businesses, going to the beach and attending her children’s sporting events. White has served as the president of the Wolfpack Athletic Association of Whiteville for the past seven years and attends New Hope Baptist Church in Whiteville.