After serving as dean of the Driehaus College of Business and Kellstadt Graduate School of Business for more than 10 years, Ray Whittington will step down at the end of the 2016-17 academic year. He will return to his prior role as the director of DePaul’s School of Accountancy & Management Information Systems.
"I am honored to have served as dean during such a pivotal time of growth for DePaul," Whittington says. "I do miss my days as a faculty member and now seems like the opportune time to make a transition back to teaching and research."
Whittington became dean in 2006, after serving as interim dean for one year. In addition to establishing the college's first doctoral degree and a number of new master of science programs, he had a lead role in securing multiple large gifts for the college that directly benefited both students and faculty.
During Whittington's tenure, the university renamed the college in recognition of alumnus and finance industry pioneer Richard H. Driehaus, who donated a record-breaking $30 million to support the recruitment and retention of top business faculty. In 2010, the college launched the School of Hospitality Leadership with the support of a $7.5 million gift from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Over the course of the Many Dreams, One Mission capital campaign, the college raised $113 million, endowing the majority of funds to student scholarships.
In his previous position in the School of Accountancy and MIS, Whittington served as director for nine years. As a certified public accountant and senior auditor, his experience enabled him to strengthen the school's relationship with prominent accounting firms and implement curricular enhancements. The School of Accountancy has received national recognition for its high quality academics and is one of the largest programs in the country. Through his work with Ledger & Quill, the School of Accountancy alumni association, Whittington also helped build a network that sponsors scholarships, professor awards and general support for the school. Prior to joining DePaul, Whittington was the director of the School of Accountancy at San Diego State University, where he taught for 14 years.
"The Driehaus College of Business has strengthened and enhanced its academic programs under Ray's leadership, and I am very thankful for all that he has done," DePaul Provost Marten denBoer says. "Ray's extensive experience as an accountant, scholar and administrator is an asset for the School of Accountancy, and I am happy our students will continue to benefit from his knowledge and expertise." denBoer plans to share information about an interim dean appointment and the dean search timeline soon.