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BRISTOL, R.I. — Step into Micah White’s world, and you’ll find blueprints next to sketch pads, choreography reels saved beside coding files, and dreams that reach across disciplines and continents. The ɫ����̳ senior from Tiverton, R.I. has forged an academic and creative path that is as layered and dynamic as he is. 

Majoring in both Architecture and Graphic Design, with minors in Dance and Computer Science, White is no stranger to hard work.

“I've always been curious and creatively driven,” he said. “When I got to RWU, I knew I wanted to pursue architecture, but I didn't expect to fall in love with graphic design, or rediscover my identity as a dancer.” 

That sense of discovery has defined White’s RWU journey. He first connected with the university through a pre-college summer architecture program. “After that experience, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he said. “RWU had one of the top Architecture programs in the country, and I felt I’d be supported here.”

By junior year, his design interests evolved again. “I added Graphic Design because I've always dreamed of creating my own clothing brand,” he said. “It's a medium that blends visuals, culture, and messaging – and it complements architecture really well.”

However, perhaps the most unexpected and transformative part of White’s experience came through dance.

“I grew up teaching myself to dance by watching videos. I never imagined I’d find a dance community in college, let alone choreograph performances or sell movements to a K-pop label,” he said. 

White joined the  and RWU Dance Theatre early on, originally as a way to stay active and meet people. What he found was far more impactful: “The club became a family. It gave me space to express, lead, and grow.”

His mentor, Professor of Dance and Performance Studies Cathy Nicoli, played a key role in that growth. “She constantly challenged me,” he said. “I wouldn't be where I am creatively without her.” 

One of White’s standout dance moments came in the form of an opportunity with the global K-pop industry. Through a friend in Korea, he was offered a chance to choreograph a 30-second sequence for a track. While bound by contract from disclosing the artist’s identity, the experience was no less formative. 

“Being asked to contribute, even without credit, was surreal,” he said. “I was working with dancers and choreographers I’ve looked up to for years. It reminded me that my voice matters, even when I doubt myself.”

He says it was a breakthrough moment: “Early on, I used to think my choreography wasn’t good enough. This changed everything. It validated my instincts and encouraged me to keep going.”

In addition to his creative ventures, White has immersed himself in ɫ����̳ campus culture, including Stage Crew and the . Each experience, he said, left a mark.

“Stage Crew gave me a hands-on understanding of production, which ties in beautifully with my design and dance interests. Barbershop Club, though, was something deeper. As a Black student, it became a space where I felt seen and celebrated. That brotherhood meant a lot.”

Faculty support has also played a huge role. He credits his advisor, Ann Proctor, Art and Architectural History Professor and School of Humanities, Arts and Education Associate Dean, with helping him navigate his ambitious academic schedule and big-picture goals. Graphic Design Professor Denille Emmans pushed him to take creative risks, and then there’s Carol Sacchetti, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Programs, Leadership and Orientation. “Everyone at RWU knows and loves Carol.” He said Sacchetti became one of his biggest supporters. 

White is set to graduate in May 2025, and while his next steps are still taking shape, they include a potential move to Korea to work at a dance studio and long-term dreams of developing a creative studio of his own – something that merges his passions for architecture, design, and performance.

Looking back, he doesn't hesitate when asked what he's most proud of.

“I didn't just earn degrees, I found my voice,” he said. “I came in with dreams and insecurities, and RWU helped me turn that into something real.”

His advice to other students? “You don't need to have it all figured out right away. Be open to the unexpected. Say yes to the things that scare you. The version of you at graduation could be completely different from the one who started – and that’s a good thing.”