By Nick Valentin
After eight years, King University’s president, Alexander Whitaker, will retire after the 2023-2024 school year. President Whitaker has served a very respectful term at King. He has shown astounding leadership while contributing to the community around him. Mr. Whitaker’s contributions will be forever etched into the history of King University. Let’s take a look back at his tenure.
President Whitaker began his time at King in August 2016, when he became the 23rd president in school history. Before he arrived at King University, he resided in the peach state of Georgia at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. At Berry College, he served as Chief of Staff. Once he arrived at King, he clarified that he wanted to prioritize a few things during his time. Those priorities included strengthening academic programs, improving Bristol’s campus, and emphasizing the Christian character at King.
With his heart set on revamping the school’s academic field in every capacity, Mr. Whitaker kept his word. During his eight-year career, President Whitaker accomplished numerous feats. Those feats included a revamped nursing program with renovations to the nursing lab, the development of new programs, including exercise science, and an increase in the percentage of professors with terminal degrees. Furthermore, he not only helped skyrocket King’s academics but also bolstered the facilities on campus. The facilities that saw an upgrade with renovations during his time included the dining hall, admissions center, and Memorial Chapel. On top of that, Mr. Whitaker also kept the historic brick walkways, residence halls, and the campus grounds furnished and fresh. Perhaps his most significant accomplishment for facilities is the new track-and-field complex that is nearing completion near the campus entrance.
His colleagues, staff, and students will miss President Whitaker. His hard work and love for the Tornado were always evident in all his work for the school. The city of Bristol and King University will always have a keen sense of gratitude for Mr. Whitaker, and his time here will undoubtedly be remembered with appreciation. While the University hates to say goodbye, the Tornado says goodbye, happy retirement, and best of luck in his future endeavors!
King University has already begun a nationwide campaign for the school’s next president. CarterBaldwin Executive Search is leading the search. Moreover, King trustees, staff, and faculty are also supporting the search.
