The Inauguration of Dr. Manya C. Whitaker

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Colorado College marked an historic milestone on Saturday, Nov. 8, with the inauguration of Dr. Manya Whitaker as its 15th president. The ceremony, filled with joyful and inspiring music—including her father, Morris Whitaker, who sang Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would’ve Made It,” as a tribute to Whitaker’s supporters, reflected both the significance of the occasion and the vibrant spirit Whitaker brings to her leadership.

The ceremony’s theme, “Lifting as We Climb,” borrowed from the motto of the National Association of Colored Women, underscored Whitaker’s commitment to collective progress—uplifting others while advancing together as a community.

In true Block Plan form, the day began with a breakfast and Block Talks, where five members of the CC community gave informative, 10-minute presentations about topics made to ensure visitors felt like they were in class as part of the experience. The ceremony followed, and a reception at Ed Robson Arena concluded the day’s events.

About President Manya Whitaker

Dr. Manya Whitaker is the 15th President of Colorado College. Initially appointed to a two-year interim presidency on July 1, 2024, Whitaker earned the confidence of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners through her transparent leadership, keen understanding of the College’s mission, and steady guidance. During her initial year as Interim President, she advanced several critical institutional priorities, including securing the new Research Colleges and Universities distinction from Carnegie, surpassing fundraising goals, and overseeing a pivotal year in College history. She was officially appointed President by the Board of Trustees in June 2025.

Dr. Whitaker previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, acting as the President’s principal aide and strategic advisor. In that role, she managed sensitive and confidential matters, oversaw cross-divisional initiatives, and provided leadership on key institutional priorities, including the college’s antiracism commitment.

Dr. Whitaker is also a Professor of Education at Colorado College, and prior to moving into administration, she taught classes on social and political issues in education. She is a developmental educational psychologist with expertise in adolescent identity formation and motivation. She has authored four books and more than 20 book chapters and articles focused on her research, including “Public School Equity: Educational Leadership for Justice,” “Schooling Multicultural Teachers: A Guide for Program Assessment and Professional Development,” “Learning from the Inside-Out: Child Development and School Choice,” and “Counternarratives from Women of Color Academics: Bravery, Vulnerability, and Resistance” (co-editor).

Over 13 years at Colorado College, her roles have also included Interim Director of the Butler Center, Director of the Crown Faculty Center, and Director of Graduate Studies and Chair of Education.

Dr. Whitaker received her doctorate in developmental psychology from Vanderbilt University and her B.A. in educational psychology from Dartmouth College. In addition to her position at Colorado College, she has worked as an independent educational consultant since 2009. She established Blueprint Educational Strategies in 2013, working with minoritized and marginalized families on educational advocacy and partnering with school districts and state departments of education to support teachers and administrators in delivering high quality experiences to all learners and their families.