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Dale Whittaker (born ) is an American professor and academic administrator, serving as the president of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. He became the university’s fifth president on July 1, 2018, following the retirement of John C. Hitt. Whittaker previously served as the university’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs from 2014 to 2018.

Whittaker and former UCF President John C. Hitt worked together on the University Innovation Alliance, a coalition of 11 prestigious research universities seeking to expand students’ access to higher education. Other institutions in the coalition include Arizona State, Georgia State, Iowa State, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon State, Purdue, University of Kansas, University of California Riverside and University of Texas.

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Central Florida
Whittaker came to UCF in August 2014 to serve as its provost and vice president for academic affairs, providing leadership to UCF’s 13 colleges, multiple campuses, research centers and institutes. He also oversaw academic support services and was responsible for curriculum, academic planning, faculty appointments, faculty development, and promotion and tenure decisions. He was promoted to provost and executive vice president in 2015.

As provost, Whittaker helped recruit and hire 200 new faculty members, launched an interdisciplinary teaching and research faculty cluster initiative , led the creation of a downtown campus , and elevated UCF’s digital learning efforts to improve student success.

Whittaker led the creation and institutionalization of the university’s “Collective Impact” strategic plan. The plan includes 5- and 20-year goals to lead Florida’s degree attainment; increase national and international faculty and student recognition; double research awards; generate $10 billion in economic, social, and cultural impact; and attract $100 million in new funding sources. It was approved by the UCF Board of Trustees and Florida Board of Governors in November 2017.

In addition, under Whittaker’s tenure, UCF began its path to preeminence, designated an “emerging preeminent” institution by the State of Florida in 2016. In addition to being the state’s largest university, UCF also is one of its highest performing — ranking in the top three in the state for the first four years that performance-based funding was awarded.

Early Career
Whittaker started his career in higher education at Texas A&M University as an assistant professor of agricultural engineering in 1987. As a faculty member, he was promoted to associate professor in 1993 and then professor in 1999. Whittaker was named director of the Center for Food Processing in 1999, served as interim director of the Institute of Food Science and Engineering from 1997 to 1999 and was named associate head for research and graduate education for the Department of Agricultural Engineering, 1999-2002.

In 2002, Whittaker joined Purdue University as professor of agricultural and biological engineering and associate dean for academic programs for the College of Agriculture. He was named vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs in 2010 and acting vice president for student affairs in 2013, positions he held concurrently until 2014.

In 2014, Whittaker joined the University of Central Florida as provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Education
Whittaker holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. in agricultural engineering from Purdue University and a bachelor’s in the same field from Texas A&M University. He is a professor of civil, environmental and construction engineering.

Personal Life
Whittaker and his wife, Mary, have two children. He lives in Orlando, and plays the harmonica, paints and rows.