Hall of Fame
Whitlock was associated with Eastern Kentucky University for more than 50 years from his time as a student until serving as President of the University.
As a student (1961-65) he served as the sports editor for the Eastern Progress newspaper from 1961-63 and after graduation moved into the role of Director of Public Information (1970-76) where he oversaw university photography, sports information, publications, graphics artists and news. From 1976-97 he served as Executive Assistant to the President including serving on numerous Ohio Valley Conference committees.
From there Whitlock moved into the position of Vice President for Administrative Affairs (1998-2003) before retiring from full-time work and serving as a part-time professor only to come out of retirement four years later to serve as the 11th president in EKU history from 2007-13.
During his tenure as President he saw the department of athletics earn the 2011-12 OVC Commissioner’s Cup, which is the symbol of overall athletic excellence in Conference-sponsored championships. As President he was known for his expertise in working with the budget and during that time EKU produced its first Truman, Goldwater and Fulbright scholars as well as added several Ph.D. programs. He also oversaw the building of a new arts center, a new facility for the Manchester campus and the first phase of a new science center.