Whitmore was born in 1945 in Seattle, Washington, but spent most of his childhood in Stanley, North Dakota. One of eight children, Whitmore and his brother, Terry, are both first-generation college graduates. Whitmore’s mother was a primary school teacher. Before starting his undergraduate studies at Washington State University, Whitmore ran a movie house in his hometown.
Education
Whitmore earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech from Washington State University, and a PhD in theatre history from the University of California, Santa Barbara. As an undergraduate student, Whitmore was president of the Washington State University Chapter of the National Collegiate Players and a recipient of National Collegiate Players Scholastic Achievement Award. As a master’s student at Washington State University, Whitmore wrote his thesis on the use of laughter in Tennessee Williams’ plays and directed numerous productions, including Miss Julie by August Strindberg and Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni. As a doctoral student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Whitmore wrote his dissertation on William Saroyan and directed productions including The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds by Paul Zindel and Epiphany by Lewis John Carlino.
University career
After finishing his undergraduate studies, Whitmore taught for three years at Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington. After earning his doctorate, Whitmore began teaching at West Virginia University, rising from assistant professor to professor of theatre from 1974 to 1985 and served as interim dean and director of the College of Creative Arts from 1984 to 1985. Whitmore also served as the chair of the Division of Theatre from 1979 to 1985. Soon after, he moved to The State University of New York at Buffalo to be dean of the Faculty of Arts and Letters and professor of theatre from 1985 to 1990. Whitmore joined The University of Texas at Austin in 1990 until 1996, where he served as dean of the College of Fine Arts and professor of theatre. In 1996, he moved to Iowa City, Iowa, to become provost of The University of Iowa and professor of theatre until 2003. In 2003, Whitmore was selected to be president of Texas Tech University, serving five years, where he also held a professorship in theatre. In 2008, Whitmore was named president of San José State University. Two years later, Whitmore became chief executive officer of ACT, returning to Iowa City. Across its programs, ACT provides more than 100 assessment, research, information, and program management services to enhance education and workforce development.
Personal life
Whitmore met his wife, Jennifer, at West Virginia University. They have been married 28 years and have two children, Ian and Amy. Both of the Whitmore children are graduates of The University of Iowa.
Books authored and edited
William Saroyan: A Research and Production Sourcebook.
Directing Postmodern Theater: Shaping Signification in Performance.
Editor, Directory of Theatre Programs, 1991.
Co-editor, A Handbook for Theatre Department Chairs.
Quotes
"If you can get from a family that's never had the opportunity to go to college and have them not just go but graduate, it transforms their life and trickles back to the whole family."
"We need to remind everyone that the invaluable public good we contribute is turning out a better-trained workforce and more civically engaged community members."
"Leadership really means figuring out what the university can be the best at and then focusing on those things. It also means motivating people to rally around issues and then moving those issues forward."
