Dr. Manya Whitaker Appointed as 15th President of Colorado College

Colorado College, a well-regarded liberal arts college known for its unique Block Plan and dedication to academic excellence, has announced the appointment of Dr. Manya Whitaker as its 15th president. This decision was made by the Board of Trustees and follows Dr. Whitaker's successful interim presidency that began on July 1, 2024.

In her role as interim president, Dr. Whitaker quickly earned the trust and support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local community members. Her transparent leadership style and deep understanding of Colorado College's mission helped to guide the institution through a critical year. During her first year as interim president, she made significant strides, including attaining the prestigious Research Colleges and Universities distinction from Carnegie, surpassing fundraising targets, and leading the college through a historic transition.

Jeff Keller, Chair of the Board of Trustees, praised Dr. Whitaker's exemplary leadership and vision, stating that she brought pragmatism and foresight to the presidency at a crucial moment for the college. He noted that the Board has “every confidence” in her ability to lead Colorado College into its future, especially following the celebration of its 150th anniversary. Incoming Board Chair Kyle Samuel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Dr. Whitaker’s inspiring vision and unwavering commitment to the college's mission, making her a perfect fit for leading during this transformative era for higher education.

Dr. Whitaker holds dual expertise as an accomplished academic and as a developmental educational psychologist specializing in adolescent identity development and motivation. Before her interim presidency, she served as the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to former CC President L. Song Richardson. In this role, she managed sensitive issues and led various important initiatives, including the oversight of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at the college. Her commitment to the institution's antiracism initiatives and her ability to navigate complex strategic priorities were also key aspects of her leadership.

In addition to her administrative roles, Dr. Whitaker serves as a Professor of Education at Colorado College. Over the past 14 years, she has taught courses addressing critical social and political topics in education. She is also a prolific author, having published four books and over 20 chapters and articles related to her research, which includes works such as "Public School Equity Educational Leadership for Justice" and "Counternarratives from Women of Color Academics: Bravery, Vulnerability, and Resistance."

Dr. Whitaker earned her doctorate in developmental psychology from Vanderbilt University and her B.A. in educational psychology from Dartmouth College. Upon her appointment, she expressed her gratitude and commitment to the college community, stating, "It has been a profound honor to serve this extraordinary community. I am continually inspired by the passion of our students and the dedication of our staff and faculty. I look forward to our collective endeavors to strengthen our values and create a brighter future for Colorado College."

For additional information about President Whitaker and her vision for the college, you can visit their official website at Colorado College.

About Colorado College

Founded in 1874, Colorado College is a nationally recognized liberal arts institution located in the picturesque Colorado Springs. The college is unique for its Block Plan, which allows around 2,200 undergraduates to focus intensively on one course at a time over 3.5-week segments. In addition to its undergraduate programs, the college also offers a Master of Arts in teaching. Colorado College strives to ignite the passion and potential of its students to foster a more just world. To learn more, visit Colorado College.