Whitworth University Announces Permanent Appointment of John Pell as Provost & Executive Vice President

Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin has announced that John Pell, Ph.D., has been appointed provost & executive vice president. Pell began serving as interim provost in May 2024 under a two-year appointment. His transition into the permanent role is effective immediately.

Whitworth Community Ensembles Join to Present “Renewed by Joy” April 14 at Spokane’s Fox Theater

The Whitworth Community Concert Band and Whitworth Community Chorale are excited to blend their beautiful musical talents and present their spring concert, Renewed by Joy, Monday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox.

Whitworth University Expands Business Program for Adult Students with Five New Career-Focused Specializations

Whitworth University is thrilled to announce the expansion of its business program for adult learners through a new partnership with Rize Education. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in five new career-focused concentrations designed to meet the needs of the most in-demand industries in the Spokane job market.

Whitworth Alumni Invest in the Future with Endowed Professorships in the School of Business

Whitworth University is pleased to announce the establishment of two new endowed professorships in the fields of economics and finance and accounting, made possible by the generous support of our alumni. These new positions in the School of Business will serve to enhance the university's academic excellence and provide opportunities for groundbreaking research and innovation in these vital areas of study.

Kenneth Roberts Endowed Professorship in Finance and Accounting

Ken Roberts ’68 has established an endowed professorship in finance and accounting. After graduating from Whitworth, Roberts received his MBA from Harvard University. Roberts retired from Palouse Capital Management, Inc., an investment advisory company, in 2023 and has had a 53-year investment career.

Roberts has been active with the Whitworth Student Investment Group (WSIG) since its inception and helped establish the Robblee-Roberts Student Investment Fund. This part of the Whitworth University Endowment is managed by WSIG students, providing them with real-life management and investment experience. 

Roberts serves as a member of the Whitworth Board of Trustees, the Whitworth Finance Advisory Council, the Whitworth Business Advisory Board and the Whitworth Foundation.

Harry Dixon Endowed Professorship in Economics

The late Harry Dixon taught economics and business at Whitworth for nearly 25 years. Students called him “Mr. Whitworth,” and he was named "most influential professor" by senior classes several times throughout his career. 

During his tenure, Dixon helped build a business major within the existing economics department, eventually leading to a major in accounting as well. He also served on the Core 150 team and on numerous committees and councils. 

Alumni Tim Cheek ’81 and Sue (Hinkle) Cheek ’80 say Dixon was deeply respected for his economics expertise and his engaging and approachable teaching style in which he expressed genuine interest in students and helped guide many toward successful and rewarding business careers. For these reasons, they have established the Harry Dixon Endowed Professorship in Economics. 

Dixon retired from Whitworth in 1984 and passed away in 2011. 

“These endowed professorships will help to ensure that finance and economics remain strong areas of focus in the School of Business for years to come,” says Tim Wilkinson, dean of the School of Business. “By providing long-term support for academic excellence, these professorships will contribute to fostering a world-class learning environment for students, further enhancing the school's reputation. The students, staff and faculty greatly appreciate the amazing generosity of Ken Roberts and Tim and Sue Cheek. Their commitment to advancing education and empowering future leaders in the fields of finance and economics is truly commendable, and their support will have a lasting impact on generations of students.”

Endowed professorships play a crucial role in higher education by offering significant resources that support faculty in their research, teaching and professional development. They also attract distinguished scholars who can advance an institution's academic reputation and strengthen its ability to recruit top talent.

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university has an enrollment of about 2,500 students and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. 

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Whitworth Named a Top Ten Military Friendly® School and No. 5 for Military Spouses for 2025-2026

Whitworth University is honored to be named a 2025-2026 Top Ten Military Friendly® School as well as a Top Ten Military Spouse Friendly School by Viqtory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. This marks the ninth consecutive year Whitworth has received the Military Friendly recognition and first time it has received a ranking in the Top Ten for Military Spouses in the category of “private schools not offering a doctorate.”