Dr. Ron Whitaker
Freedom Fighter, Critical Scholar & Equity Strategist
Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker, II is the appointed Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Assistant Professor..
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Full Bio
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).
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!
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
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!
Videos
PEDC Monthly Meeting - March 22, 2022 - Dr. Ron Whitaker
Dr. Scott Whitaker, Prof. Griff and Sis. Sole on the Not on My Watch Show - Elife Media
Books
News
Testimonials
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