Success Story

Mentoring the Next Generation

When Pat White reflects on his WVU experience, one defining moment comes to mind. Though the former Mountaineer quarterback led his team to many victories and received countless accolades for his athletic prowess, White’s favorite memory is the day he earned his Regents Bachelor of Arts.

“It was probably the best day of my college career, walking across that stage,” White said. “My parents sent me to school to get a degree. Athletics was just a way to achieve higher learning.”

White began his college career in search of a traditional bachelor’s degree, but his uncertainty in selecting a major, coupled with the demands of being a Division I athlete, made this seem out of reach. White had taken enough courses to earn a degree, but they didn’t all fit within one major.

According to Dr. Gregory Epps, director of the Regents Bachelor Arts program, one of the hallmarks of the program is its flexibility.

“Every RBA student has a unique story,” Epps said. “We frequently attract students like Pat who want to earn a four-year degree, but whose academic goals can’t be defined by one major. We make their goals attainable by offering a customized program of study.”

Pursuing an RBA degree allowed White the freedom to combine his coursework and practical experience, thus creating a program of study that addressed his unique needs.

“The RBA program gave me an opportunity to leave with a degree,” White said. “With my background, it was more about sports, management and development. The hands-on experience brought everything together for me.”

After a career as an athlete in the National Football League, White returned to West Virginia to work in the insurance industry. Since then, he’s progressed to financial advising through Northwestern Mutual.

With his two brothers, both former college athletes, White also mentors and trains young football players with promise. Their group, called Blueprint Performance, provides middle school and high school athletes with preparation and training for the demands of a college football career. Since its establishment in 2013, the organization, based in White’s hometown of Daphne, Ala., has seen numerous athletes gain access to higher education through football scholarships.

“We help them develop their skills, understand the requirements and build relationships with schools,” White said. “A lot of Division II and Division III schools don’t have the resources to get to those kids, and those kids don’t have the know-how to get to those schools. We are a bridge in terms of what it takes athletically, what it takes academically and the relationships that are necessary to get there. It’s been wonderful thus far.”

More specifically, White and his brothers teach their mentees the next-level athletic skills that typically aren’t introduced until players reach collegiate, and even professional, football programs.

“Even at an early age, you’d be amazed by how fast kids can pick it up,” White said.

Building skill is a key component of Blueprint Performance, but athletic skill is not enough to get students to college. Because of this, the program also educates participants about other requirements for college admission, including good grades and scores on college entrance exams. If a student needs an academic tutor, Blueprint Performance helps them find one.

One of White’s favorite aspects of the program is when current college athletes who are Blueprint Performance graduates return to mentor the next generation of students.

“It’s sort of a revolving door,” White said. “They go off and learn, and they come back and bring us more knowledge, but also experience and skill for the younger players.”

Ultimately, Blueprint Performance has allowed the White brothers to stay in touch with the game of football, as well as to pass along the advice they wish they’d had as players.

“There’s a wealth of knowledge that we all have,” White said. “We were able to use our gift, and now it’s time for us to give it back. That’s our mission and our goal.”

As for individuals who are interested in pursuing an RBA degree, White shares this piece of advice:

“It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to be. The RBA program will help you find that and will help you to be the best you.”