John O. White is remembered for many things: his passion for training future teachers, his expertise in test writing and legal writing, and his enthusiasm for such sports as sailing and track and field. The professor emeritus of English, comparative literature and linguistics died in March.
During his 34 years of service at Cal State Fullerton, White’s focus was on English education for secondary school teachers. He played a leadership role in English education at the statewide level, serving on Subject Matter Review panels as well as advisory panels on English Teacher Preparation Programs and Assessment for the California Credentialing Commission.
A sought-after expert in test writing, White often traveled to testing headquarters and campuses around the country to help grade entrance exams, college boards and teacher exams.
In his own classroom, he taught a range of courses from contemporary and modern British and American literature, to composition and legal writing. He co-authored the book, “Legal Writing: The Strategy of Persuasion.”
White received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Sacramento State University and his doctorate from Arizona State University.
Contact: Lynn Juliano, ljuliano@fullerton.edu