Whitworth University has once again been named as a top-rated higher education institution on Kiplinger’s annual rankings of colleges and universities in the United States. Whitworth joins some of the country’s most elite schools in the magazine’s 2015 rankings.

Whitworth University Board of Trustees elects John Kaites as newest member

The Whitworth University Board of Trustees has elected businessman, lawyer, and former Arizona state senator John Kaites as its newest member.

On Dec. 11, Whitworth announced its hiring of Forrest Buckner as the university’s next dean of spiritual life and campus pastor. Buckner will officially begin his new duties in July 2015.

Whitworth named a "Best Christian Workplace" by national survey

Whitworth University has been named a "Best Christian Workplace" among higher-education institutions based on a national survey of employees at Christian businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Whitworth recognized on 2013 President’s Honor Roll for Community Service

On December 5, the Corporation for National and Community Service recognized Whitworth University in two categories on the 2014 President’s Honor Roll: General Community Service, and Community Service in Education. This is the first time Whitworth has been recognized in two categories, with education being the new designation.

Whitworth builds on legacy of service through Whitworth Serves initiative

During Whitworth’s 125th anniversary celebration on Oct. 11, President Beck A. Taylor announced the public phase of The Campaign for Whitworth, the largest fundraising campaign in the institution’s 125-year history. Among the many initiatives of the $100 million campaign, which include endowment growth, funding scholarships and academic programs, and an expanded music building, the university is placing a special emphasis on service to the community.

Whitworth Ethics Bowl team dominates regional competition, qualifies for national tournament

Whitworth’s Ethics Bowl team, the Philosoraptors, won the Northwest Regional Ethics Bowl on Nov. 22 at Seattle Pacific University. The Philosoraptors finished first among 14 teams from 11 universities across five states. Whitworth defeated Gonzaga University, Seattle Pacific University, Portland State University and the University of Alaska-Anchorage. Other universities competing in the ethics bowl included Arizona State University, Pacific Lutheran University, St. Martin’s University, University of Montana, University of Puget Sound and Washington State University.

In honor of International Education Week, Nov. 17-21, the Whitworth School of Education will present the seventh annual International Education Forum on Thursday, Nov. 20. The event’s keynote speaker is Concie Pedroza, principal of Seattle World School; the forum will include Pedroza’s address, a cultural presentation, and four workshops.

Whitworth choirs to present 2014 Christmas Festival Concert, “Come, All Ye Faithful”

The 2014 Whitworth University Christmas Festival Concert, “Come, All Ye Faithful,” will take place in Seattle Dec. 6 and 7, and in Spokane Dec. 13 and 14. The concerts will feature more than 120 student-musicians, including members of the Whitworth Choir, the Whitworth Women’s Choir, the Whitworth Men’s Chorus and the Whitworth Chamber Singers, as well as student instrumentalists and narrators. For more information, please call (509) 777-3280.

Chemistry major awarded full-tuition scholarship from Woodrow Foundation

Each academic year, the Woodrow Foundation awards a scholarship to one Whitworth student based on academic excellence, leadership skills and financial need. This year’s recipient is MacKenzie Wattenbarger, ’15, a chemistry major (biochemistry track). Wattenbarger’s Woodrow Foundation scholarship covers full tuition, books and fees for the 2014-15 academic year.

Whitworth named Washington Monthly’s No. 1 master’s-level university in Pacific Northwest

For the third consecutive year, Whitworth has been named Washington Monthly’s highest-ranking master’s-level university in the Pacific Northwest. Whitworth ranks No. 11 among 671 colleges and universities nationwide. Washington Monthly magazine was founded in 1969 and is based in Washington, D.C.

Three new members elected to Whitworth University’s board of trustees

L. Denice Randle, '07

L. Denice Randle, ’07, the Rev. Mark Toone, and the Rev. Eric Peterson, ’85, were elected to the Whitworth University Board of Trustees during the board’s recent October meeting and will participate in the board’s next meeting, in January 2015.

Whitworth’s Distinguished Community Service Award Honoree Dr. Jim Shaw to present, Oct. 29

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As a Christian physician, Jim Shaw seeks to treat patients’ minds, hearts and bodies. Shaw will discuss how his faith and profession intersect in beneficial and challenging ways on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre. Shaw is also the recipient of Whitworth’s 2014 Distinguished Community Service Award, which he will receive during his Oct. 29 talk. The lecture is free and open to the public, and the Spokane community is invited to share in the celebration of Shaw’s award.

Walt and Kay Oliver donate $3 million to The Campaign for Whitworth

Gift pushes total funding of Cowles Music Center to $10.6 million

Walt Oliver, '67

During Whitworth University’s 125th anniversary celebration, President Beck A. Taylor announced Whitworth Trustee Walt Oliver, ’67, and his wife, Kay, as major donors to The Campaign for Whitworth. The couple’s gift of $3 million will be used to help complete an addition to and remodel of Whitworth’s music facility, to be named the Cowles Music Center.

Nationally recognized biologist Elaine Ingham to present at Whitworth Oct. 23

Discover what makes compost tea a sustainable option as soil biology expert Elaine Ingham presents “The Soil Food Web and Compost Tea” Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre. This event is free and open to the public.

Harriet Cheney Cowles Foundation announced as donors of $2 million gift to The Campaign for Whitworth

Funds will be used for completion of new Cowles Music Center

During an Oct. 11 celebration downtown, held in honor of Whitworth University’s 125th anniversary, President Beck A. Taylor announced the Harriet Cheney Cowles Foundation  as a major donor to The Campaign for Whitworth. The foundation pledged $2 million to support an addition to and renovation of Whitworth’s music building, which was built in 1978 with significant support from the Cowles family. The new structure will be named the Cowles Music Center, in honor of the Cowles’ family’s generous support of the arts and education on the Whitworth campus over the past century.

President's Leadership Forum - FAQs

What is the Whitworth President’s Leadership Forum?

The Whitworth President’s Leadership Forum brings speakers to Spokane who represent a broad range of voices, perspectives and ideas. The event takes place twice a year and draws key national figures to the Inland Northwest to provide wisdom and insight on a variety of relevant, contemporary issues.

Whitworth to host Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Arturo Sandoval, Nov. 6 & 7

Whitworth University invites the public to hear jazz legend Arturo Sandoval as he performs with the award-winning Whitworth Jazz Ensemble Friday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium. General admission is $20, $15 for seniors (62-plus). Tickets are available at www.whitworth.edu/musictickets, TicketsWest and at the door. The box-office opens one hour prior to the performance and accepts cash or check only.

Whitworth Theatre Department presents fall production The Drowsy Chaperone

The fall Whitworth Theatre production for 2014 is The Drowsy Chaperone. Performances will take place Oct. 10, 17, and 18 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 11 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., in Cowles Auditorium at Whitworth University. Admission is $10, and $8 for students and senior citizens (age 62-plus). Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.whitworth.edu/theatretickets. For more information, please call (509) 777-3707.

Whitworth professor Julia Stronks to deliver final lecture as Lindaman Chair Oct. 2

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Whitworth Professor of Political Science Julia Stronks will present her fourth and final Lindaman Chair lecture, “Christians, Public Policy and Sexual Identity: Why Loving the Sinner Doesn’t Do It for Me Anymore,” in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. This lecture is free and open to the public.

Whitworth to host New York film producer Markie Hancock for Sept. 25 presentation

Whitworth University will welcome veteran New York film producer Markie Hancock on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre. This event is free, and the public is invited to attend.

Whitworth welcomes Emmy Award nominee Randall Balmer Sept. 29

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An American author, Episcopal priest, Dartmouth University professor and historian of American religion, Randall Balmer is a man of many roles and with many insights to share. Balmer will present “His Own Received Him Not: Jimmy Carter, the Religious Right, and the 1980 Presidential Election” at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 29, in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre. This lecture is free and open to the public.

Author and communication expert Brenda Allen to present at Whitworth Sept. 30

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University of Colorado’s Professor of Communications and Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion Brenda Allen presents “Communicating Difference Matters” on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m., in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre. This lecture is free and open to the public.

Whitworth professor to present annual Constitution Day Lecture, Sept. 17

Where do free speech and creative theft intersect? Explore this question and more with Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Erica Salkin as she presents “Copyright in the Digital Age” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre. This Constitution Day Lecture is free and open to the public.

Whitworth community joins Spokane nonprofits for 107th Community Building Day

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, approximately 1,000 Whitworth students, faculty and staff, including Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor and his wife, Julie, will lend a hand to organizations across Spokane in efforts to help strengthen the community. Community Building Day is foundational in fostering a lifelong ethic of social and civic responsibility in Whitworth students; it also provides valuable services to nonprofit agencies across Spokane.

Whitworth remains in top 10 of annual rankings of best regional universities for 15th year in a row

Whitworth University achieved the No. 3 spot in U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of the best regional university values in the West. For the 15th consecutive year, Whitworth also maintained its position as one of the top 10 best regional universities in the West.

Whitworth University creates historical exhibit, book, honoring people and artifacts

In honor of Whitworth’s 125th anniversary, the university is hosting a large historical display that tells the story of its enduring legacy. Additionally, the university has published a 280-page hardcover book containing 125 stories about people and 125 stories about iconic things from Whitworth’s past. The exhibit and book, each titled Torchbearers, create a powerful story of Whitworth’s enduring 125-year mission of offering students a mind-and-heart education.

Whitworth University hosts exhibit by photographer Chris Jordan to kick off year of signature events

Chris Jordan

Beginning Sept. 11, the Whitworth University Art Department and the Bryan Oliver Gallery will present the work of Seattle-based photographer Chris Jordan. The exhibit, which is part of Jordan’s “Running the Numbers” series, looks at contemporary American culture through the lens of statistics. The project examines unique and sometimes bizarre measurements of our society with large, highly detailed prints assembled from thousands of smaller photographs.

Whitworth once again featured by Colleges of Distinction as a leader in education excellence

For the sixth time in seven years, Whitworth University has been named a top school in the country on CollegesofDistinction.com, an online guide that takes a fresh look at colleges and universities by appealing to students’ unique and varied interests. Based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators, and admissions professionals, Colleges of Distinction honors colleges excelling in key areas of educational quality.

Whitworth named one of Princeton Review’s best universities in the West

For the sixth consecutive year, Whitworth University has been designated one of the best colleges and universities in the West in a recent college guide published by The Princeton Review. The education-services company ranked Whitworth among 123 institutions it recommends in the "Best Western   Colleges" section of its website feature, “2015 Best Colleges: Region by Region,” which was posted today at http://www.princetonreview.com/best-regional-colleges.aspx. Registration at The Princeton Review’s website is required to view the list.

ALERT: Campus will resume regular activities while storm cleanup continues

While Saturday's storm caused some downed trees and structural damage on our main Spokane campus, regularly-scheduled classes and work schedules will be maintained for Mon., Aug. 4. Crews are cleaning up after the storm and areas of caution will be identified by yellow or pink warning tape. This may include vegetation, parking and clean-up work routes and areas. Please stay away from these marked areas.

Whitworth among top 10 private schools in Pacific Northwest on Forbes’ 2014 list of Best Colleges

Whitworth ranked fourth highest in the state

Whitworth has landed once again on Forbes’ annual rankings of the top undergraduate institutions in the United States. Whitworth joins some of the most prestigious schools in the country in the magazine's latest rankings, where it is listed as one of the top 10 private schools in the Pacific Northwest.

Whitworth to celebrate 125 years with series of special events Oct. 9-12

Whitworth will mark its 125th anniversary with a weekend of exciting events Oct. 9-12 for the Whitworth and Spokane communities. The events will take place during Homecoming and Family Weekend, and include the fall President’s Leadership Forum, campus tours, alumni and family gatherings on campus, a football game, the fall theatre production, an exhibit highlighting Whitworth’s 125-year history, and a free evening celebration downtown.

Whitworth alumna featured in Christianity Today’s “33 Under 33” issue

At the ripe old age of 22, Jena Nardella, ’04, co-founded Blood:Water Mission with the Christian band Jars of Clay, in 2005. The nonprofit partners with organizations in Africa to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and to provide communities with sanitation and clean water, and have raised over $22 million to date. Nardella serves as the executive director of Blood:Water.

Whitworth Junior pursues passion at NASA

Projects include improving astronaut vision and drilling on Mars

Sarah Gady, ’16, was accepted into an internship program at the NASA Space Academy at Glenn Research Center, in Cleveland, Ohio. She is currently working with two other students on a project titled “Modeling Astronaut Central Nervous System Cerebral Fluid Response to Microgravity and its Effects on Astronaut Vision.”

Whitworth professor co-edits book on leadership development

All royalties donated to Compassion International’s Leadership Development Program

“We live in a world in need of transformation,” says Whitworth Professor of Leadership Studies Jack Burns. His new book, Organizational Leadership: Foundations and Practices for Christians (InterVarsity Press), which he co-edited with John R. Shoup and Donald C. Simmons, explores key facets of leadership from a Christian worldview.

Whitworth University implements compost tea program

Facilities services hopes to eliminate artificial fertilizers and herbicides

Whitworth Facilities Services is implementing a compost tea program as part of the university’s commitment toward a more sustainable campus. Using tea as fertilizer may seem unusual, but compost tea, once applied to the ground, works to create healthier soil. The compost tea program will provide a more economical and sustainable way to fertilize the campus grounds, and will allow the university to phase out synthetic fertilizers.

Whitworth Institute of Ministry, July 7-11, will feature presidents of Princeton Theological Seminary and Fuller theological seminaries

Mark Labberton

This summer, Whitworth welcomes Princeton Theological Seminary President Craig Barnes and Fuller Theological Seminary President Mark Labberton as the featured co-preachers for the 39th annual Whitworth Institute of Ministry.

Whitworth University receives $400,000 grant to build internship program for Office of Church Engagement

Whitworth has been awarded $400,000 from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to build a robust internship program within the university’s new Office of Church Engagement. The office will use the grant to hire 15 students to work full time over the summer at partner church organizations. Five additional stipends will be issued to interns working internationally.

Whitworth University produces record number of Fulbright Scholars

Six out of 16 Whitworth-student applicants were selected as Fulbright Scholars for 2014-15, a record number for the university, which has a long-standing tradition of producing Fulbright Scholars each year.

Whitworth welcomes six Gates Millennium Scholars

After graduating from Lewis and Clark High School this spring, Tika Khadka and four other Pacific Northwest high school seniors will join the Whitworth Class of 2018 as Gates Millennium Scholars.

Whitworth School of Business emphasizes experiential learning

Students win business plan competition, network with professionals, build university endowment

Within the last year, the Whitworth School of Business has dramatically increased the amount of experiential learning its students receive. Experience-based business curricula give students the chance to gain exposure to the business world and to develop a professional skill set. Core strengths added to the program include mock interviews with local business leaders, a heavier emphasis on internships, and increased participation in student-run clubs such as the Whitworth Student Investment Group, and in the Inland Northwest Business Plan Competition.

Ken Brown

Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor announced Wednesday that the university’s current director of information systems, Ken Brown, has been appointed as the university’s chief information officer and will lead the newly formed office of institutional effectiveness. Brown will begin serving in his new role on July 1 and will report to Vice President for Finance and Administration Gerry Gemmill.

Whitworth senior and local entrepreneur launch company after Business Plan Competition victory

Devon Lind, ’14, and Michael Fisk are two creative guys with one common vision: “We just want to do remarkable things,” says Fisk, who first met Lind at True Hope Church, in Spokane. Their most recent collaboration, Photoboxx, took first place in the open category at the 2014 Inland Northwest Business Plan Competition hosted at Whitworth in April.

Whitworth student to work in Guatemala as an advocate for indigenous rights

Ingrid Sub Cuc, ’14

After graduating in May, Whitworth biology major Ingrid Sub Cuc, ’14, will return to her native country of Guatemala and work as an intern for Cultural Survival, in Quetzaltenango.

Whitworth music alum explores music in the film industry through NYU program

Nick Kmet, ’13

Whitworth alumnus Nick Kmet, ’13, is currently enrolled in New York University’s Scoring for Film and Multimedia graduate program. “The program is really fantastic,” Kmet says. “I meet people from all different parts of the country and the globe.”

Mayor to give keynote speech at May 18 Whitworth commencement ceremony

Spokane Mayor David A. Condon will address graduates at Whitworth University’s 124th undergraduate commencement ceremony May 18. Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor will be the speaker at the graduate commencement ceremony May 17.

Whitworth alumna recognized by White House for military service and entrepreneurship

Photo credit Jonathan Pece Photography.

The White House honored Graciela Tiscareño-Sato, a 1999 graduate of Whitworth’s M.B.A. program in international management, as a “Woman Veteran Leader Champion of Change” in a public ceremony on March 25. Tiscareño-Sato was recognized for her military service and for her business, Gracefully Global Group, LLC. She was one of 10 women military veterans selected out of 400 nominees.

Whitworth student to study in China this summer as Critical Language Scholar

Whitworth senior Michael Bouterse, a history and theology double-major, has been awarded a Critical Language Scholarship by the U.S. State Department to study Mandarin Chinese in Hangzhou, China, this summer. Bouterse will study at the Zhejiang University of Technology.

Whitworth Ethics Bowl team ends season with ICW competition win

Whitworth’s Ethics Bowl team, the Philosoraptors, closed out the season by taking first at the Independent Colleges of Washington Ethics Bowl at Seattle University on April 4. The team of five students defeated Walla Walla University, Heritage University and Seattle Pacific University, before defeating Seattle Pacific in the semifinals and Gonzaga University in the finals.

Alternative-energy expert Ralph Cavalieri to discuss energy independence April 24 at Whitworth University

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Ralph Cavalieri, director of Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance, will present a lecture, “Energy Independence for a Sustainable Future,” on Thursday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre at Whitworth University. This event is free and open to the public.