William J. White

William J. White is a distinguished professor at Northwestern University, where he has been teaching for over 15 years after a successful career in the business sector, including serving as chairman and CEO of a NYSE company. His academic focus is on the onboarding process and successful transitions to new positions, which he explores in his research and popular career guide, From Day One, aimed at young graduates. White has received multiple accolades for his teaching excellence at Northwestern, particularly in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and an MBA from Harvard University. In addition to his academic roles, he has served on the boards of various public and nonprofit organizations, including Reader’s Digest Association and USG Corporation. As a life trustee of Northwestern University and other institutions, he remains actively engaged in educational initiatives. Outside of academia, he enjoys family life on Chicago’s North Shore with his four children and thirteen grandchildren.