Daniel supports Whittier's innovation and new venture initiatives including working with the team to launch new programs, developing business plans and financial projections, supporting accreditation of new initiatives, and organizing and coordinating other activities. He also leads Whittier's campus-wide strategic planning efforts.
Prior to joining Whittier, Daniel served eleven years in academic administration at the University of La Verne, including vice provost of strategic planning and effectiveness, where he led accreditation and assessment efforts. Daniel’s professional background includes a unique combination of faculty positions and business world experience. With expertise in strategy and organizations, he has held faculty appointments at Stanford, MIT, Emory, and the Claremont Colleges. Daniel received his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Northwestern University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Ph.D. in Corporate Strategy and International Business from the University of Michigan.
sal johnston joined the faculty of Whittier College in 1996 after receiving his doctoral degree in sociology from the University of Oregon.
A recipient of the Whittier College Nerhood Teaching Award in 2003, he has served in several faculty leadership positions at Whittier including chair of EPC and chair of the faculty. sal also was highly involved in previous faculty-led curriculum reviews as a member of the faculty curriculum committees in 1997-1998 and again in 2001-2003.
In his role as Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, sal was instrumental in working with faculty and Academic Affairs leadership in providing support for an assessment and realignment of new resources for student success support, and in ensuring that Whittier's financial resources are aligned to the College's academic mission. He has also continued to champion the faculty-led curriculum renewal.
Office of Academic Affairs Mendenhall, First Floor 562.907.4204 sjohnston@whittier.edu
Elizabeth Ibarra Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty eibarra@whittier.edu
Cynthia Joseph provides oversight to the Department of Human Resources, Campus Safety, Payroll Office, mailroom, bookstore, facilities and grounds, and food services. In addition to leading efforts related to legal and compliance issues, Joseph implements strategic programs for employee development and training, succession planning, and programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also provides leadership and strategic thinking as the College works to strengthen its infrastructure and key support services.
As Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Joseph created strategic partnerships with campus leaders to develop employee relations infrastructure and processes and to drive and implement key business performance initiatives in support of our mission. Joseph joined Whittier College in 2014 as Director of Human Resources and was promoted to Senior Director in 2017. Cynthia has a long career as a human resources and student service professional in industry and higher education. Prior to joining Whittier, she worked as the executive director of human resources and employee relations at Next Level Enterprises, director of operations and human resources at Vocational Concepts, and spent several years as vice president of student services for Lawton College.
Joseph received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Loma Linda University and is on track to receive her Juris Doctorate from William Taft Law School.
A seasoned higher education administrator with a background in intercultural and multilingual communication, program development, and team dynamics, Markowitt comes to Whittier from serving most recently in student affairs at the University of Redlands, where she was contracted through The Registry. With a proven track record of fostering inclusive and innovative programs that enhance the student experience, Xenia brings a wealth of experience to Whittier. She previously served as interim vice provost of student success at The New School, dean of students at Bennington College, dean of students at Marlboro College, associate dean for campus life at New York University Abu Dhabi and director of the Center for Women & Gender at Dartmouth College, as well as other staff and faculty roles spanning nearly 25 years.
Markowitt is fluent in Spanish and holds a master’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean studies and a bachelor’s in film and television production, both from New York University. She also has a degree in French studies from the University of Aix-En-Provence in France. In addition to her career in higher education administration, she has taught, published, and contributed to professional organizations including the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals and National Women’s Studies Association.
Rachel Morrison, Ph.D., is a seasoned higher education communications professional with expertise in strategic messaging, public relations, and institutional branding. A consultant with the RW Jones Agency, she currently serves as interim vice president of communications at Whittier College. In this role, she leads the College’s comprehensive communications strategy, encompassing internal and external communications, media relations, issues management, and brand marketing.
Before joining the RW Jones Agency and Whittier College, Morrison held higher education communications positions at Claremont Graduate University, Scripps College, and Chapman University. Her professional background also includes roles in scientific and medical communications at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and experience in the magazine publishing industry. In addition to her administrative work, she has taught writing and English at the University of La Verne and Chaffey College, and she frequently writes and presents on topics related to higher education communications.
Morrison earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Religious Studies from the University of Arizona and both a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in English from Claremont Graduate University.
Delite H. Travis assumed the role of Vice President of Development at Whittier College in June 2024, bringing with her over 22 years of seasoned leadership experience. Throughout her career, she has a proven record for driving organizational success.
At Whittier College, Travis leads the charge in all aspects of development and advancement. Her responsibilities encompass strategic alumni engagement, fundraising, program development, donor relations, and oversight of the Whittier Now! campaign. Known for her talent in assembling high-performing teams and fostering key relationships, Travis is committed to propelling Whittier to new heights of excellence.
Prior to her tenure at Whittier, Travis held notable roles across various philanthropic sectors, including healthcare, non-profits, and higher education. She consistently surpassed fundraising targets and played pivotal roles in securing substantial funding. Notably, her contributions as Vice President of Strategic Engagement, Development, and Campaign at Chapman University significantly advanced fundraising efforts, culminating in a $250 million milestone toward a $500 million goal.
She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from Pepperdine University. Additionally, she serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School and maintains affiliations with esteemed organizations such as the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Ken began his career at Whittier from 1986 to 1990 in the offices of admissions, residential life, and summer activities. He returns to the college after a long career, including more than 25 years at the College Board, where he worked to foster strategic relationships within the higher education enrollment sector, most recently as Executive Director of Higher Education Services and Strategic Accounts.
During his influential career, Woods revamped the College Board’s higher education membership model to expand relationships, engaged with national conferences addressing higher education enrollment issues and innovated new admissions strategies regionally and nationally.
Among his previous roles at the College Board were Associate Director of Guidance and Admission Services (1995-2001), Chief, Higher Education Services (2001-2007), and National Manager, Higher Education Institution Relations (2007-2008). Earlier stops in Ken’s career include Director of Regional Admissions Offices at the University of Denver and Director of College Counseling at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano, California.
Woods earned his bachelor’s degree in Social Science and Business Administration from Whittier in 1984. Ken also received the Key to the College in 1988 and served on the Alumni Board of Directors from 2002 to 2005.
