Wayland student balances life, school to earn top honors

CLOVIS — Fueled by inspiration from family and friends, Kimberly Rae White managed a balancing act that will culminate with her becoming a Magna Cum Laude graduate en route to a bachelor's degree from Wayland Baptist University-Clovis on Friday.

A Clovis High School graduate, White posted a 3.74 grade point average en route to her Interdisciplinary Studies degree — ranking her atop Wayland Baptist's undergraduate class.

"I never dreamt that would happen," said White, who said she was encouraged to complete the degree program although she juggled family life — which includes a husband and three small sons. "My dad told me to always do my best at all times. I was shooting for a 4.0, but I'll definitely take a 3.7. I'm very pleased with the end result."

Officials said the graduation is slated for 10 a.m. today at Central Baptist Church in Clovis.

White said the university's family-friendly atmosphere proved to be a major asset.

"One of my aunts attended Wayland and I have friends that are Wayland graduates," said White, who, as the top undergraduate student, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the graduation ceremony. "I have three young boys and everyone was very understanding of that as I made my way through the process. Sometimes the boys had to be with me, but that was perfectly OK. I'm appreciative of that. Balancing school and family was challenging. Sometimes I would be at my son's football practice studying, but it was all definitely worth the while."

WBU-Clovis Executive Director and Dean Gary Mitchell extended plaudits to White for her due diligence and focus on task.

"Like all of our graduates who often face difficulties and struggles along the way to achieving their degrees, Kim has done an outstanding job of facing those trials and overcoming obstacles — and doing it at a high level of accomplishment," he said. "She's an excellent student who also did a great job in her student teaching at Melrose and we're very proud of her."

White said her degree field is geared toward elementary level education with a keen eye toward identifying methods of reaching students in subjects across the board. She counts her father, Lance Adkins, among her biggest fans and supporters.

"He's always been the leader of the home I grew up in," said White, who also extended gratitude to one of her instructors, Nora Quinones Hendershot. "He always taught us that God comes first and foremost. And when you put God first, anything is possible. I've followed those teachings and have found it to be so true. I just trust God and His plan."

White said she envisions an advanced degree in her future, but the immediate plan calls for a break.

"I plan to pursue a master's degree eventually," she said. "I'm going to do some canning and finish some sewing projects I need to catch up on."