Sarah White

When Sarah White arrived at UNC Greensboro to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition, she was prepared for the transformative education that will lead to a career as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) – but she wasn’t prepared for support nearly 100 years in the making.

“Nutrition is a rigorous and demanding field – and rightfully so,” explains Sarah. “Receiving the Nancy Ross, Betty Dickson, and Nancy Jo Smith Scholarship was an unexpected surprise, more so because I’m from the same county as Mrs. Ross!”

After graduating with a degree in domestic science from South Carolina’s Winthrop College in 1921, Nancy Coleman Ross moved to Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, to teach and raise a family. Her enthusiasm for education led all four of her children to pursue college degrees, with her two daughters, Elizabeth “Betty” Dickson and Nancy Jo Smith, graduating from UNCG. In 2003, her son Coleman D. Ross established the scholarship to honor the lives and education of his mother and sisters. It supports students from Guilford and Mecklenburg Counties who are studying in the School of Health and Human Sciences or the Bryan School of Business.

Dedicated to a descendant discipline of Nancy Coleman Ross’s domestic science, Sarah is incredibly grateful for the support and the near-century connection between herself and Nancy Coleman Ross.

“I’m blessed to receive this scholarship, as it has relieved some of the financial strain I’m facing. It takes faith, compassion, and a generous heart to create and continue scholarships and awards, and I’m honored to have that trust from donors – and elated to have a personal connection to one of the people who inspired it.”

Sarah plans to open her own practice and provide community nutrition education to people in underserved groups. She also wants to train academic and public health professionals in implicit racial bias so they can be more culturally competent while working with the public. It is a dream made possible because of donor generosity.

“We are blessed to be a blessing,” Sarah says. “This scholarship enables me to fulfill my desire to help others tap into their own power to live healthier lives. I’m encouraged to persevere because people have helped and believed in me. Thank you.”

Story by Michelle Danner-Groves, Donor Relations