Tuskegee University Honors Its First Chaplain, John W. Whittaker, 1860-1936

This past Sunday, Tuskegee University held a chapel service to honor John W. Whittaker, the educational institution’s first chaplain. The service was part of the Whittaker family reunion that took place on campus. The family reunion was held on the 90th anniversary of Reverend Whittaker’s retirement from Tuskegee.

Whittaker was born in Atlanta in 1860. He earned degrees at Atlanta University and the Hartford Theological Seminary. In 1888, he was appointed chaplain at what was then Tuskegee Institute. He served in that role for three years and then served as a minister in New Orleans and Savannah.

Whittaker returned to Tuskegee in 1901 where he served as chief financial officer, dean of the chapel, and dean of the Bible training Institute. He retired in 1927.

Rev. Whittaker died in 1936 and is buried in the campus cemetery.

SaveSave

Related Articles

14 COMMENTS

  1. This is my daughter Akina great great Grandfather as well. Joanne Fobbs is her Great Aunt and Sandra Douthitt is my daughter’s mom.

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

In Memoriam: Shani Mott, 1976-2024

Dr. Mott was a lecturer in the department of history and Center for Africana Studies at Johns Hopkins University where she worked for the past sixteen years. Her academic studies focused on racial language in American popular culture.

California State University Sacramento Launches Black Honors College

Officially launching for the fall 2024 semester, the Black Honors College will support students from all backgrounds who study Black history, life, and culture by providing them with a specialized curriculum and mentoring opportunities.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

In Memoriam: Norman B. Anderson, 1955-2024

Dr. Anderson was the assistant vice president for research and academic affairs at Florida State University at the time of his death. He had an extensive career in clinical psychology, which led him to become the first African American chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association.

Featured Jobs