Colorado College has named Dr. Manya Whitaker as its 15th president, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. A nationally respected educational psychologist, author, professor, and campus leader, Whitaker brings deep institutional knowledge, bold vision, and a steadfast commitment to the liberal arts.
Her appointment marks a historic moment for Colorado College (CC). As interim president over the past year, Dr. Whitaker led the college through a period of strategic transformation: surpassing fundraising goals, securing a new Carnegie research classification, and championing a student-centered vision for CC’s next chapter — the College’s 151st year.
“Manya Whitaker has demonstrated exceptional leadership during a pivotal time in the College’s history,” said Jeff Keller, outgoing Chair of the CC Board of Trustees. “From day one in the interim role, she brought vision and pragmatism. We recently celebrated CC’s 150th year, and the board has every confidence that President Whitaker is the right person to lead the College forward as we embark upon our next 150.”
Incoming Board Chair Kyle Samuel echoed the sentiment. “Manya Whitaker has consistently impressed and inspired us with her vision, leadership, and deep commitment to the mission of Colorado College. She brings a steady hand and a bold perspective — exactly what’s needed in this transformative era for higher education.”
An educator and expert in adolescent identity development and motivation, Dr. Whitaker previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to former CC President L. Song Richardson. Her leadership spans faculty and administrative roles, including professor and chair of the Education Department, director of multiple faculty and student centers, and executive oversight of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
During her 14-year tenure at CC, Dr. Whitaker has been a champion for equity, academic rigor, and inclusive innovation. Her vision for Colorado College centers on what she describes as "claiming the College’s space in the market,” defining CC as a place where academic freedom and belonging reinforce each other, where sense of place informs national impact, and where a liberal arts education prepares students to lead with purpose.
“I believe deeply in the power of a liberal arts education, especially one powered by the Block Plan and rooted in this place, with these people, at this moment,” said President Whitaker. “Colorado College has the content and character to lead in higher education. I am honored to continue serving this vibrant community and advancing the mission we share.”
“Our work ahead will be grounded in collaboration and clarity,” she continued. “We will ask bold questions, pursue meaningful change, and always center our students. This is a place where hope for the future and tradition meet, and I’m excited to work with colleagues across CC to shape what comes next.”
Dan Porterfield, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute and a CC trustee, said, “Manya Whitaker is a terrific, student-centered leader who understands liberal arts education and Colorado College extremely well. She has served the College with distinction as a professor, as a senior administrator, and as Interim President. I’m excited for the next chapters of her leadership at CC.”
Dr. Whitaker holds a doctorate in developmental psychology from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree in educational psychology from Dartmouth College. She is the author of four books and more than 20 academic book chapters and articles focused on equitable pedagogy and educational leadership.
In accepting the appointment, President Whitaker said, “It has been a profound honor to serve this extraordinary community as Interim President over the past year and as a faculty member in the years prior. I am inspired daily by our students’ passion, our faculty’s wisdom, our staff’s dedication, and the entire campus community’s commitment to the College’s values. I look forward to working together to build on our strengths and shape an even brighter future for Colorado College.”