Dr. Ron Whitaker

Freedom Fighter, Critical Scholar & Equity Strategist

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Biography

Known as an Equity and Anti-Racist Freedom Fighter, Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker, II is the appointed Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Assistant Professor of Education and the Director of the Center for Urban Education, Equity, and Improvement (CUEEI) at Cabrini University. Further, Dr. Whitaker also holds the distinction of being a Schouver Fellow at Duquesne University. As a Schouver Fellow, Dr. Ron engages in improvement projects that seeks to build system capacity within organizations. Additionally, Dr. Whitaker is the current Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Equity Expert, a Board of Trustees member for Tacony Academy Charter School, and a Board of Directors Member for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR). Read More >

Dr. Whitaker completed his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership at Duquesne University. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in Business Administration at Eastern University, and two undergraduate degrees from Geneva College where he graduated magna cum laude. Additionally, Dr. Whitaker earned a Certificate in Culturally Sustaining Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
As a researcher and scholar, Dr. Whitaker publishes articles that focus on the psychology of race and racism, issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy, and the societal and educational disenfranchisement of African American males. His scholarship has been included in books and handbooks such as:

The Ultimate Guide for Teachers to Multicultural Literature (Rowman & Littlefield Publishing)
The Beauty and the Burden of Being a Black Professor (Emerald Publishing)
The Handbook on Promoting Social Justice in Education (Springer Publishing)
Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (IGI Global Publishing)
Social Justice and Education and Putting Theory into Practice in Schools and Communities (IGI Global Publishing)
The Handbook of Research on Black Males: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Multidisciplinary (Michigan State University Press Publishing)
Handbook of Urban School Leadership. New York (Roman & Littlefield Publishing)

Dr. Whitaker presents his research at both national and international scholarly conferences, and within K-12 educational milieus. He is revered amongst colleagues for engaging in “tough conversations” in a respectful manner. Dr. Whitaker was a 2018 Delta Eplison Sigma Faculty inductee, a 2017 Black Theology Fellow at Princeton Theological Seminary, a 2016 America Educational Research Association (AERA) Asa Hilliard/Barbara Sizemore fellow, a 2014 Phi Kappa Phi inductee, and a 2012-2014 University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Barbara L. Jackson Scholar Fellow. Dr. Whitaker is the author of the forthcoming book titled: HELP(ing) Us to Understand: It’s Still Either Going to Be Chaos or Community! Read Less ^

Speaker Videos

Cabrini University 6th Annual Virtual Visionaries Gala

Speech Topics

HELP(ing) Us to Understand: It’s Still Either Going to Be Chaos or Community!

It’s About Prophetic Notions of Social Justice within Schools!

All Eyes on Me, Ways to Support African American Male Students

Are You Really Committed to Supporting Black Faces in White Spaces?

The Ingredients for Becoming a Strategic Diversity Leader!

The Fierce Urgency of Now: Leadership Principles from the life of Dr. King

What would Dr. King Say about our Societal Affairs: Understanding the “True” Message, Life, and Legacy of MLK

What are you a Drum Major For?

Testimonials

"Professor Whitaker’s research, teaching, service and advocacy work exemplify the kinds of engagement with schools and communities necessary for transformation. His careful analyses, innovative ideas, and commitment to improving the human condition serve as a model for others. I recommend and endorse his efforts without reservation."

- Dr. H. Richard Milner IV, Cornelius Vanderbilt Endowed Chair of Education

"Dr. Whitaker is a leading expert on community engagement and identity development of minoritized youth. His groundbreaking research tackles some of the most pressing issues of faced by urban educators and schools. His dynamic research focus and his many years of practical experience position him to help educational organizations become culturally responsive in sustained ways. I give high marks and the strongest possible recommendation for his work with educational organizations."

- Muhammad Khalifa, PhD, Executive Director of Urban Education Initiatives at Ohio State University

"Dr. Whitaker’s experience and expertise includes improvement inquiry that engages across the boundaries of schools, academy, and community; his work exists at the nexus of educational leadership and social justice, in which he seeks to enhance localized, systemic capacity."

- Rick McCown, Ph.D., C.S.Sp.Endowed Chair in Mission Duquesne University

"Dr. Ron Whitaker is a visionary thought leader. He is a person who possess the qualities of a leader for the 21st century. His commitment to our Leadership Institute will provide the training and skills for our new leaders of the world. We are honored to have such an outstanding person on our team."

- Nathaniel Alston, Chairman of the National Board

"Dr. Ron Whitaker has the Black Prophetic DNA of Dr. King, the pride of Malcom X, and the intellect of W.E.B. Dubois. Thus, he is the perfect leader to speak to the holistic needs of the individuals and communities that he advocates for."

- Adriel Hilton, PhD, Dean of Students and Diversity Officer, Seton Hill University