In Memoriam

William “Bill” Whitaker is remembered as someone who was both a clear and firm decision-maker and caring in his support — of his students, colleagues, mentees and friends.

During Whitaker’s time at Lindner, he taught finance classes focusing on real estate, financial institutions and health care, and served in several key college leadership positions, including Senior Associate Dean (2005-09) and Department Head of Economics (2012-13). In addition to Lindner, Whitaker’s career in higher education included teaching and administrative leadership at Morehead State University, Georgia Southern University and Ohio University-Chillicothe.

Those fortunate enough to be taken under his wing benefitted from Whitaker’s genuine investment in their professional and personal growth.

He had “the heart of a teacher, a tough teacher, one that could push you to do more and rise to the challenge,” recalled Stephanie Mangus, PhD, MBA ’09, former Lindner staff member and current Assistant Professor of Marketing at Baylor.

Those who knew Clyde Parrish often point to the ways the trajectory of their lives changed because of him — a phone call about a job opening, pointing a student in the right direction for scholarships or financial aid, or just his larger-than-life personality that emanated through in his lectures. During his 1985-2004 tenure, Parrish served as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Programs and taught Principle of Administration.

“He was both dean and friend to our students, showing genuine concern for the whole person, not just the academic transcript,” recalled James S. Womack / Gemini Chair of Signage and Visual Marketing James Kellaris, PhD. “What left a lasting impression on me was not intellect or humor or storytelling, but rather the compassion he manifested for students in their moment of need.”

Many thanks to Jon Deibel, BBA ’95, and UC Foundation Trustee Arun Murthy, BBA ’95, who coordinated a celebration of Parrish’s life in March 2023.