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Point’s athletic program has seen continual growth over the past three years, and at the helm of that growth has been Point’s VP of Intercollegiate athletics Jaunelle White. White was recognized by the Southern States Athletic Conference for her efforts as she was named Athletic Director of the Year. 

“It means everything,” White said. “We haven’t even been in the conference a year yet. For my colleagues to think enough of me to vote for me as the Athletic Director of the Year was just surreal. I’m humbled and honored to have been selected.” 

The past year for Point’s athletic program has been eventful to say the least. The Skyhawks inducted their first hall of fame class earlier this year and saw new sports like womens flag football be added. 

Point’s athletic program saw the academics improve across the board for the athletes as well as the fundraising improve within the program. 

“We just had the athletic hall of fame, which was a labor of love for all of us and went over very well,” White said. “I’m excited about the golf tournament we host every year and the excitement that it brings. We’re looking forward to October already. We had a really good year in fundraising.” 

“We added the Hour-a-thon. All of the teams did a really good job with fundraising and just generating some excitement around their programs,” White added. “We’re on track to be a Champions of Character institution for the NAIA. It’s not official yet, but we’re on track for that. Another departmental GPA of over 3.0.” 

White has served as Point University’s athletic director for three years, and has seen the program blossom during her tenure. Desean Bullock and the sports information department have brought more notoriety to Point’s program, and White believes getting Point’s name and mission out to the public is a big part of the athletic department’s improvement. 

“I think it starts there,” White said. “Parents, no matter where they are or where students are from, can actually watch their family member or friend compete.” 

“The word of Point is getting out across the nation,” White added. “I say nation, but we’re international too because of all the international students that we have.” 

White has become a mentor for those inside and outside of Point’s program, but she also had her fair share of mentors a long the way. 

At every step of her career, White has received guidance to help her continually grow. White has had too many mentors to name, but it all started at home with her parents. 

“My parents were the guiding force for me and being great examples to me, and they still are to this day,” White said. “They’re always a phone call away. I’m grateful for my parents for what they instilled in me at a young age… There have been a ton of people. I don’t want to leave anybody out so I won’t mention anyone in particular, but I would not be where I am without those mentors.” 

The number of women working in sports has grown over the years, but it has not always been that way. At one point, holding a title such as athletic director would be tough for even the most successful women in sports. 

As a woman working in sports, White knows that it is important to be a mentor for others looking for a similar career path, and she also recognizes those who led the way before her. 

“I appreciate all the women that came before me and mentored me,” White said. “It’s because of them that I’m in this position… When someone does reach out or is interested in learning about my career or path, I do my best to respond and share that with them. It may look completely different than what theirs looks like and that’s ok. As a parent and a mother of multiple children, I’m busy with my personal life and my personal life. To just show them that they can do it and it can be accomplished. Yes, it’s hard work. It’s definitely not easy, but if they put their mind to it and surround themselves with a good village, they can do anything they want to.” 

White has grown up with a passion for sports as she watched her dad coach collegiate track and field. That passion made her into a successful athlete at the high school and college level, and it still drives her to put her best foot forward every day. 

White still wants to see Point’s athletic program grow over the next few years. White wants to see more fans at events and she wants the program to continue becoming an active part of the community. 

“We still would love to get some more community involvement,” White said. “We can do a better job of getting out in the community more. I think we’re doing a good job, but there are obviously other things we can get involved in.”
“We’re in a tough conference, so competitively we’ve got a ways to go,” White added. “We’re going to get there, and we’re going to compete every time we step on the court, the course, the field or whatever it is we’re competing on… I really hope that people see that and see all the hard work that these student-athletes put in day in and day out.”