UofM Division of Student Affairs Names Dr. Carolyn Whittier AVP for Student Engagement

Dec. 2, 2024 — The Division of Student Affairs at the University of Memphis has named Dr. Carolyn Whittier its new Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement.

Whittier comes to the UofM with more than 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in student development and success, fraternity and sorority life, leadership programming and creating strategic programmatic initiatives. She most recently served as the Assistant Vice President of Student Life at Valparaiso University, where she worked in all aspects of student engagement and success.

"The opportunity to be part of the re-establishment of the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Memphis is very exciting to me," Whittier said. "I believe that the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement role will give me the opportunity to work with the amazing team in Student Affairs to build one of the most exciting and student-centered campus environments around. I want to ensure that we are celebrating the diversity of the student population through engaging programming and development opportunities. Overall, I hope our team will be able to set the conditions for all students to be successful by providing outstanding campus initiatives for personal and professional growth."

Whittier has a PhD in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Ball State University, an MBA from Valparaiso University and a bachelor's degree from DePauw University.

“Dr. Whittier’s commitment to a robust student experience is evidenced in both her extensive background as well as in her connections with students and staff, which we saw firsthand during her interview process," said Vice President of Student Affairs Melinda Carlson. "Dr. Whittier has an impressive track record of being a strong collaborator and is a leader in the field of student engagement. I am excited to welcome her to the UofM family."