Vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs named
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A. Dale Whittaker, an administrator and professor in Purdue's College of Agriculture, will become the university's vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs.
A. Dale Whittaker
The position reports to Timothy Sands, who became executive vice president for academic affairs and provost on April 1. Whittaker's appointment, which is effective July 1, is subject to ratification by the university's board of trustees.
Whittaker currently is the College of Agriculture's associate dean and director of academic programs and a professor of agricultural and biological engineering.
In his new position, he will lead undergraduate education, admissions, enrollment management, academic planning, program evaluation, and general academic policy development and implementation. He will advise Sands on personnel and budget matters.
Among other duties, he will help guide student access, transition and success programs, academic program development, the Center for Instructional Excellence, the Oral English Proficiency Program, the University Honors Program, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate Program, and the Undergraduate Studies Program. He also will serve as a liaison for curricular changes affecting multiple colleges.
"Dale brings experience as both a scholar and administrator to this key position," Sands said. "He has worked on expansion of academic programs and student services in the College of Agriculture and will bring that experience to this job. And he's committed to helping Purdue strengthen its position as global leader going forward."
Whittaker said, "This is a challenging and exciting time for Purdue. Capacity has been built, excellence is recognized, a can-do culture exists. It is imperative that we continue to enhance our reputation for quality academic programs. I'm honored to be part of that effort."
Whittaker, who has master's and doctorate degrees in agricultural engineering from Purdue, has been with the university in his current roles since 2002. He came to Purdue after 15 years at Texas A&M University.
He has been involved in numerous college- and university-wide committees. He has worked with the state and other state-supported universities to develop courses that introduce college-bound students to the science of agriculture. And he has collaborated with Ivy Tech, Vincennes University and the Commission for Higher Education to develop associate programs in agriculture that transfer to Purdue or meet work force needs.
Whittaker helped raise funds and develop a College of Agriculture student center that provides tutoring, career development and programs for first-generation and high-need students.
Writer: Judith Barra Austin, 765-494-2432, jbaustin@purdue.edu
Sources: Timothy Sands, 765-494-9709, tsands@purdue.edu
A. Dale Whittaker, 765-494-8472, dwhittak@purdue.edu