Kelvin L. White

University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business

“Former Army Ranger, exemplifies servant leadership by elevating teammates, and leaving a legacy!”

Hometown: Enola, Pennsylvania

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was the NIKE, Inc. Uniform Model for the 2016 Army vs. Navy football game! #Beatnavy! #Airborne

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy at West Point; Engineering Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Army – Special Operations Officer (75th Ranger Regiment)

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I think of Notre Dame, I think of the Golden Dome, legends like Lou Holtz and “Rocket” Ismail, and the way my mother-in-law speaks about Father Theodore Hesburgh’s ever-lasting impact. My time here has surpassed every expectation, from the unmatched sense of purpose to the bias for action within the Notre Dame network. Game Days in South Bend are pretty cool, too. However, what stands out most is the University’s unwavering commitment to growing the good in business; it’s tangible and you can feel it as soon as you step on campus.

Aside from your classmates, what was the one key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Mendoza’s commitment to “Grow the Good” in business was so apparent during my recruiting process, it stuck with me. As I transitioned from a high-performing Special Operations Unit in the Army, I knew I needed an institution that was filled with action-oriented, values-driven teammates committed to excellence. Notre Dame checked every box. The ability to connect with professors, deans, and university leadership is unlike anywhere else I visited; I’m not a number here! I’m a father, husband, teammate, and someone this community pours into. That sense of purpose and belonging is what makes Mendoza so special.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? It’s hard to choose just one. As a veteran, obviously the Notre Dame MBA Military Veterans Club has been an anchor. Yet, I am most excited for the opportunity to build something new. Alongside four classmates, I’m leading the revitalization of the Notre Dame Sports Business Club, transforming it into a premier platform for leadership, innovation, and industry engagement. Our culminating event is an inaugural Notre Dame Growth and Advancement of Management in Entertainment and Sports (ND G.A.M.E.S.) Summit next fall; a milestone we intend to make unforgettable.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The thing I am most proud of is choosing my family over my career. I was in the prime of my Army career, serving in the most lethal direct-action force in our military and supporting strategic operations on behalf of the United States of America. It was a purpose-driven, dream come true. However, as someone who was raised by their grandparents, who struggled to make ends meet, I promised myself I would be a present father and husband, no matter what. I’m proud of myself for prioritizing what is important; there are plenty of Airborne Rangers to go around, but I only get to be present once for my family.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? This fall, I was honored to receive an award during a local pitch competition as part of Notre Dame’s Student Startups through the IDEA Center. In just 90 seconds, I pitched my startup’s patented, notification-generating smart lock aimed to empower responsible gun ownership through real-time awareness. Additionally, I have advanced to the next round of the McCloskey New Venture Competition next semester. It’s a privilege to keep learning, growing, and tackling one of our nation’s most pressing challenges.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? My mission is to connect, grow, and mentor, operating at the intersection of sports and business to create lasting, positive impact. I’ve always believed in meeting people where they are and helping them see what’s possible, especially those who share a background like mine. Mendoza has given me the freedom and support to turn that mission into reality. From re-vamping the Sports Business Club to partnering with Notre Dame Athletics on consulting projects, Mendoza empowers me to see gaps, build solutions, and lead with purpose. Legacy is important here and I’m grateful to be shaping mine through action.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? I was the ND Hockey Fighting Irish Salute during Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin in December. I had the privilege to go out on the ice and help present the colors during the national anthem, and then I was honored during a timeout in the second period. My military biography was shared with the sold-out arena, my friends came to celebrate my service, and the usher at the game gave my children two game-used hockey pucks — something they will never forget! Go Irish!

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