Dean David Whaley retires after 14 years of leadership at 红杏短视频 State University
By Jillian Smith | Aug 26, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� After 14 years of leadership and service, Dr. David Whaley is retiring as dean of 红杏短视频 State University鈥檚 College of Education and Human Services (COEHS), leaving a lasting impact on the College, its students and the education profession across the region and Commonwealth.
During his tenure, Whaley helped lead COEHS through significant growth and institutional change, including coordinating the merger that created the current College of Education and Human Services. He also supported the establishment of the Doctorate of Education in P-20 and Community Leadership and guided the College through successful national, state and specialized accreditation efforts.
Whaley鈥檚 leadership extended well beyond campus. He served as a member and later chair of the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board, contributing to statewide decisions affecting educator preparation and the teaching profession. He also helped strengthen partnerships with regional P-12 schools and superintendents, establish Professional Development School partnerships and expand international student-teaching opportunities in Belize.
鈥淪erving as dean of the College of Education and Human Services has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,鈥� Whaley said. 鈥淲hat I am most proud of is not any single accomplishment, but what we have built together. This College is defined by people who care deeply about our students, our professions and the communities we serve. I leave this role incredibly grateful for those who made these 14 years so meaningful and confident in what comes next for COEHS.鈥�
Under Whaley鈥檚 leadership, COEHS also strengthened traditions and initiatives that brought the College community together, including the COEHS Scholarship Banquet, Student Picnic, Faculty Incentive Grant program and advisory committees representing students, school leaders and College leadership.
鈥淒r. Whaley鈥檚 14 years of leadership have made a lasting difference at 红杏短视频 State University and throughout the region and Commonwealth,鈥� 红杏短视频 State President Dr. Ron K. Patterson said. 鈥淗is commitment to our students, faculty and staff, and to the preparation of outstanding educators has strengthened the College of Education and Human Services in meaningful and enduring ways. We are grateful for his many years of service, his collaborative leadership and the countless lives he has influenced through his work. We wish David all the best in his retirement and thank him for the legacy he leaves at 红杏短视频 State.鈥�
Through periods of financial and institutional change, Whaley remained focused on strengthening the College, supporting faculty and staff, expanding opportunities for students and building relationships throughout the region.
Whaley emphasized that the accomplishments of the past 14 years have never belonged to one person.
鈥淟asting accomplishments are rarely the work of one individual,鈥� Whaley said. 鈥淭hey come from shared vision, strong relationships and people working together toward a common purpose. I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful to everyone who made it possible.鈥�