SC State mourns loss of Honors College dean Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr.
Whitaker served as acting dean of the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences prior to taking the helm of the Honors College in 2023.
"Dr. Whitaker was an exceptional educator, a thoughtful leader and, above all, a champion for our students,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said. “Whether he was strengthening academic programs, building partnerships, mentoring students or guiding one of our colleges, he approached every responsibility with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“This is a profound loss for our university community, and we will forever be grateful for his service, his friendship and the lasting impact he made on countless lives,” Conyers said.
Whitaker died Wednesday, June 3, at age 59.
Whitaker devoted more than three decades to higher education and served SC State in numerous leadership roles. Prior to becoming dean of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, he served as acting dean of the College of Agriculture, Family and Consumer Sciences, where he helped develop academic programs, expand educational opportunities and establish partnerships with institutions in the United States and abroad. During his tenure, the college secured more than $8 million in funded grants.
He also served SC State as chair and professor of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, leading successful accreditation reviews for the department, the Nutrition and Food Management Program and the Child Development Learning Center.
Whitaker had also served as acting associate provost in the Division of Academic Affairs, contributing to the university's academic mission through a variety of leadership and administrative roles.
Known for his student-centered approach, Whitaker believed deeply in the transformative power of education and dedicated his career to helping students achieve their highest potential. His leadership touched nearly every corner of the university, from academic affairs and accreditation to faculty development and student success initiatives.
The university extends its deepest condolences to Whitaker's family, friends, former students and colleagues.
A private celebration of life service will be held in Columbia. Following the service, Whitaker will be interred in the family mausoleum alongside his parents in Grandview Park Memorial Cemetery in Clinton, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College at https://www.scsu.edu/give/now.php.