KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 10, 2023
Brett and Lesha White's recent visit to Kennesaw State led to a transformational gift for Owls Baseball.
For Brett and Lesha White, becoming part of the Kennesaw State community was divine intervention. Residents of north Georgia, the Whites have witnessed the expansion of KSU over the years.
Longtime friends of KSU Foundation Vice-Chair, Chair-Elect Teddy Parrish, the Whites explained they were inspired to get involved in the KSU community because of Parrish’s excitement about the trajectory of the University.
“My family and I care deeply about the greater good of society, and if a KSU alumnus can be that engaged and excited about the future of the University, we felt it must be a wonderful opportunity to make a difference,” Brett said.
After attending a basketball game at the Convocation Center in the spring of 2023 and meeting Director of Athletics Milton Overton, the Whites made a $1 million gift to the Athletics Campaign to support the renovation of KSU’s baseball stadium.
“The atmosphere at the basketball game was electric, and the hospitality we received from KSU Athletics leadership was outstanding,” explained Brett. “Overall, we saw an opportunity to add value at a time when the program is making a big leap to Conference USA.”
“Upon my first introduction to the White family, I knew they had a heart for making an impact within our community,” said Director of Athletics Milton Overton. “The magnitude of their generosity to invest in our first-ever KSU Athletics capital campaign is exactly why the Board of Regents granted our recent approval for a renovated baseball facility. This approval happened, in part, because of the White family.”
Brett, who played baseball in college, has always had a genuine love for the sport and recognizes the competitive advantage stadium upgrades will provide the program.
“In today’s environment, you need every edge you can get to attract the best student-athletes,” said Brett. “We hope our gift helps elevate the baseball program and facilities to match the consistently great talent at KSU. We feel this is a great long-term investment to enhance the visibility of the baseball program and the overall student-athlete experience.”
With the Owls’ move to Conference USA in July of 2024, Brett said he’s confident in their ability to rise to the challenge, noting KSU Athletics’ history of success across multiple sports.
“Having a major program in a major conference right in your backyard is exciting,” he added. “We pray that this success carries over and that we can continue cultivating the championship-caliber culture at KSU for years to come.”
– By Elyssa Reed
Photos by Judith Pishnery and KSU Athletics