Patricia A. Whitely
Dr. Patricia A. Whitely began her service as the Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Miami (UM) in 1997. She leads 21 departments and areas that directly provide programs, services, and facilities that better the present and future Miami Hurricane experience. Dr. Whitely has both a passion and skill for crisis management, higher education policy, and leadership. She has provided much needed compassion, guidance, and expertise for our students, their families, and the entire Hurricane community. An endowed fund dedicated solely to supporting those in crisis was established and honored with her namesake.
An impactful member of the UM community since 1982, she previously served as the Director of Student Life and various progressive positions within residence halls. Dr. Whitely is known for her willingness to mentor and provide guidance to students and staff alike. She hosts a four-week long senior reflections seminar for undergraduates, which was based on a capstone class that she participated in with her undergraduate mentor. Dr. Whitely connects her professional practice to theory for future higher education leaders as an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Educational and Psychological Studies in the School of Education.
NASPA, the leading national organization for higher education administrators, elected her as Board Chair in 2014. Dr. Whitely currently leads the NASPA SERVE Academy, which connects mid-to-senior professionals with leadership curricula and a professional mentor. She engages as a frequent presenter for NASPA annual and topical conferences, including the Alice Manicur Symposium for women aspiring to becoming a vice president for student affairs. She has also become involved with the National Catholic Campus Ministry Association and currently services on the Executive Board.
Dr. Whitely has been honored numerous times for her work by both the University of Miami community and her colleagues. UM Student Government honored her by naming a new award – Patricia A. Whitely Unsung Hero Award - which recognizes an individual whose work to positively impact the community may go unnoticed. Faculty Senate awarded her with the James W. McLamore Outstanding Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes service above and beyond the call of duty. She received the American Red Cross Bank of America Education Award from the American Red Cross South Florida Region. Dr. Whitely has been recognized by ACPA as a Diamond Honoree and by NASPA with the Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Senior Student Affairs Officer, with the Region III John Jones Award for Outstanding Performance, and as a Pillar of the Profession, recognizing distinguished individuals in higher education.
Dr. Whitely received her doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Miami, her master’s degree in Student Personnel Services from the University of South Carolina, and her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Theology from St. John’s University (NY).
