Dr. Brad Whitaker
Title: Professor of Mathematics; Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Years at MVNU: 2007-2025
Degrees:
* EdD, Mathematics Education, Columbia University
* MEd, Mathematics Education, Columbia University
* MA, Mathematics Education, Columbia University
* BS, Mathematics and Physics, Southern Nazarene University
Awards, Grants, Accolades, Publishing:
* Excellence in Advising and Retention, MVNU, 2015-2016
* President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, MVNU, 2011-2012
* Activity Director, Title III Strengthening Institutions Program Grant (2014-2017)
Campus Involvement:
* President’s Advisory Council, 2009-2019
* Chapel Curriculum Committee, 2010-2019
* Faculty Representative, Board of Trustees, 2022-2024
* Men’s Basketball Chaplain, 2024-present
Service to the Church of the Nazarene
* Ordained Elder, Church of the Nazarene, 2019
* Care Pastor, New Life Nazarene, 2024-present
* Young Adult and College Pastor, Mount Vernon First Naz, 2014-2017
Biography:
Dr. Brad Whitaker has served the students of MVNU since 2007, following in the footsteps of his beloved father, Dr. Paul “Doc” Whitaker, who taught mathematics at MVNU from 1982 to 1997. This coming May, Dr. Brad will empty Doc’s office in Regents Hall, and the Whitaker father-son chapter at MVNU will come to a close. Doc’s office is the same office that has been Dr. Brad’s office as he, like his father had been, is Chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department.
Following in his footsteps of his dad as best he could, Dr. Brad has given 18 years of service to MVNU and its students: journeying with them, mentoring them, and sharing the love of Christ. In addition to teaching, Dr. Brad has been a mentor and friend to students through student trips to Belize, California, and Arizona, and most recently to South Africa and Eswatini. For the past two years, he has also been the Chaplain in service to the MVNU men’s basketball team and has spoken in university chapel or class chapels about 8 times over the past 18 years.
In 2019, Dr. Brad was ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. His mentorship of students in their Christian faith has extended from his office to the Whitaker home, where Leslie and Brad have hosted weekly small groups for 18 years that have ranged from 5 to 25 students each week. Dr. Brad has said many times that those relationships with students have been the joy and lifeblood of the Whitaker’s time in Mount Vernon.
Additionally, Dr. Brad has left the Whitaker mark on MVNU, in tandem with past presidents, by creating both the Nease Institute (MVNU’s Summer Bridge program) and the Center for Student Success. Reflecting the longstanding Whitaker family passion for ensuring that ALL students are supported and resourced (or as Doc would say, “loved on”), the Nease Institute and Center for Student Success will carry the Whitaker spirit for many years to come.
Upon Doc Whitaker’s passing in 2011, friends and family came together to establish the Paul H. Whitaker Endowment. This $1.2 million endowment is used to support MVNU students in two areas of Doc’s passion: (1) funding the Nease Institute and greatly reducing expenses for Nease Scholars; and (2) reducing costs for students who go on M2540/Faithworks missions trips. Since the endowment’s inception, Dr. Brad has served on the committees that oversee the use of the endowment drawdown.
Brad’s Testimony:
God helped me understand about 29 years ago that what resonates most strongly with my core is helping young adults learn - when I do, I feel his pleasure! Helping them learn about math has gotten them in the desks in front of me. Helping them learn about Jesus has been the gas in my tank. Whether it was in the classroom, in our living room, in my office, or on a public bus rumbling across Belize - Jesus has called me, equipped me, and used me to make a difference for Him in the lives and the trajectory of young adults. I have stayed in Christian higher education for my soul, and out of obedience to Christ.
Brad’s Favorite MVNU Memory:
I first met Leslie while she was sitting in the corner chair in my dad's office - Faculty 101. Leslie has been my wife for over 30 years. Together we have mentored, hosted, laughed and cried with MVNU students. We have such amazing memories of the 100 or so students who have allowed our home to be their home while they have been at MVNU. The memories of young students becoming lifelong friends, watching Jesus come alive in them as they grow into their vocation ... the favorite memories are found in the faces of all these who have blessed us by letting us be a part of their journey. There is still a chair in the corner of my dad's office. It's my office now. Jesus has met several students in that chair over the past few years. Oh, the precious memories!
Brad’s Words to Students:
Learn all you can, love all you can, and go do all you can ... all you can for Jesus.
As you recall the impact of Dr. Brad Whitaker’s influence on your life and learning, it would be a welcomed gesture for you to share words of affirmation or appreciation with him in the message box below. Fond memories of Dr. Paul Whitaker are also welcome. As the Whitaker office goes dark this summer, we want to honor the rich legacy of the Whitaker family’s multi-generational service to MVNU.
