Aug. 21, 2001

Whitaker Chosen As Head of New College and New Enterprise

By Greg Licamele

Roger Whitaker has been appointed dean of the College of Professional Studies and chief executive officer of GW Solutions, the University’s new academic and for-profit venture.

With 33 years of educational experience at four institutions, Whitaker brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. He most recently served as GW’s associate vice president for academic development and continuing education.

“I can think of no more suitably qualified candidate than Roger Whitaker to undertake this major responsibility of providing comprehensive educational solutions through strategic alliances and partnerships with businesses, government agencies, school systems, and other non-governmental organizations,” says Donald R. Lehman, vice president for academic affairs. As dean of the ninth degree-granting unit of GW, Whitaker will report to Lehman for the academic aspects of this endeavor.

“I am delighted by the opportunity to showcase the vast intellectual resources of our institution,” Whitaker says. “What we have heard from organizations was that you need to be rapid and responsive if you want to be one of the preferred providers (for education).”

Under GWS, all of the non-credit professional development programs, formally under the University’s Center for Professional Development, will merge into one unit, — including GW Television, the Center for Distance and Mediated Learning, Conference Management Services, and off-campus marketing functions. Lou Katz, vice president and treasurer, will serve as chair of GWS’ s board of directors.

“The launch of GWS supports a number of areas of strategic focus,” Katz says. “GWS will put to use the competitive advantages of GW with an innovative business model.”

GWS recently announced one of its first relationships with the US Treasury Department. It has developed a graduate level Certificate in Governmental Cost Management and Measurement to further educate government managers about sound financial management methods.

 

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu