In a moment of profound pride and celebration, Colorado College marked an historic milestone with the inauguration of Dr. Manya Whitaker as its 15th president—and the second Black woman to hold the position in the institution’s 151-year history. 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.
As Charter Trustees, faculty, staff, former president Kathryn Mohrman, and visitors filed into Richard Celeste Theatre, the Tiger Jazz Ensemble performed “Celebration,” by Kool & The Gang and “Lovely Day,” by Bill Withers, setting the tone for a morning defined by optimism and unity. The all-female a capella group, Ellement, added poignancy singing “Rise Up” by Andra Day. 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.
As she spoke, Whitaker paid homage to her parents and her grandmother as being the teachers who molded her into the teacher she is today.
“I integrated these concrete learnings into my growing life philosophy, one where my dad repeatedly encouraged me to sing that song,” Whitaker told the audience. “As I got older, I realized he wasn’t encouraging me to literally sing. He was telling me to do what’s in my heart and to not hold back. So, I did, and I haven’t. And here I am, standing in front of you as the 15th president of Colorado College.”
A professor of Education and a passionate advocate for teaching and mentorship, Whitaker has long been a beloved presence on campus. A video played during the ceremony included accolades from former students who described her classes as transformative experiences—rigorous, engaging, and deeply human. Charter Trustee Chester White ’15, an education major and current founder and CEO of Sprazzo, Main Line Social, and LTMA Capital, had this to say.
“I always say that CC took a risk on me and you were the first educator that saw potential in me. What you taught me that’s so valuable is that you shouldn’t see people for who they are today or who they were yesterday, but who they can be tomorrow. And that’s something I carry forward,” White told Whitaker in the video tribute.
Before assuming the presidency, Whitaker rose swiftly through the ranks of the college’s leadership, earning admiration for her keen intellect, visionary leadership, and authentic connection with students, faculty, and staff alike. Her career has been characterized by a belief in the power of education to create social change—a philosophy that continues to guide her work today.
“But I’m not here because of me, because of grandma’s legacy, or because of mom’s teaching, or dad’s life lessons,” Whitaker said. “I’m here because of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that transformed what was possible for people of color and women.”
As one of the youngest presidents in the college’s history, Dr. Whitaker brings both energy and experience to her role. A fierce supporter of the liberal arts and a champion of the Block Plan, she envisions Colorado College as a place where curiosity and creativity thrive, and where students are empowered to make an impact locally and globally.
Her presidency marks not only an historic first but also a new chapter of momentum, possibility, and purpose for Colorado College. “All of my personal mantras are variations of one another: ‘lead from the front.’ ‘Start where you are but don’t stay there.’ ‘Lifting as we climb,’ which is not about me, it’s about us. Honoring those who not only paved the way but passed back bricks to elongate the path for others,” she said.
“Lifting as we climb is not about paying it forward, community service, or sending thoughts and prayers. When we lift, we advocate not just for diversity but for belonging. For a campus where first generation students, students of color, international students, students from every background won’t just survive, but thrive,” she continued.
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.
As the community gathered in celebration, the refrain of “Lovely Day” rang true—because under Whitaker’s leadership, the future of Colorado College indeed looks bright.