Whittier College has appointed Keith Dunn, a veteran higher education leader with four decades of experience, as Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective August 10.
Dunn joins Whittier following a distinguished career at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he served as interim president, provost and dean of the college, senior vice president for academic affairs, and professor of chemistry. Most recently, he served as a visiting professor at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
"Keith brings an exceptional commitment to the liberal arts, a proven record of academic leadership, and a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing independent colleges today," said President Kristine Dillon ’73. "His experience strengthening academic programs, expanding experiential learning opportunities, and fostering student success makes him an outstanding addition to the leadership team. I am also deeply grateful to Tracy Poon Tambascia for her service as interim vice president for academic affairs and to sal johnston for his leadership as vice president for academic affairs. Their thoughtful stewardship laid the foundation upon which we will continue to build.”
During more than a decade in senior leadership at Millsaps, Dunn helped lead strategic planning initiatives, developed new academic programs in high-demand fields, strengthened experiential learning opportunities, secured external funding to support student success initiatives, and guided the institution through accreditation and organizational change. As interim president, he oversaw efforts to enhance enrollment, student retention, fundraising, and institutional partnerships.
Dunn's leadership has consistently focused on helping students connect a liberal arts education to meaningful career and life outcomes. He played a central role in developing Millsaps' Pathways program, a comprehensive initiative integrating career exploration, experiential learning, and professional development in the Millsaps student experience, making Whittier Works an especially exciting focus within his new role.
"I am excited to join the Poet community," said Dunn. "Whittier's commitment to academic excellence, access, and student-centered education strongly resonates with me. I am honored to serve Whittier’s outstanding and dedicated faculty, staff, students, and alumni to build on the College's strengths, advance its strategic priorities, and ensure that every student is equipped to thrive. And I am thrilled to join President Dillon’s remarkable team to help lead the charge.”
Dunn earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Erskine College and a doctorate in chemical physics from Indiana University. He recently completed the Global C-Suite Leadership Certificate Program through The Wharton School Executive Education program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Throughout his career, Dunn has remained active as both a teacher and scholar while serving in leadership roles. He has taught a wide range of courses in chemistry and the physical sciences, mentored undergraduate researchers, secured significant grant funding, and served on numerous accreditation and higher education leadership initiatives. As an active member of his campus communities, he has added musical talent to pep bands and competitive spirit to intramural pickleball and ping pong. He and his wife are avid hikers.
As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dunn will serve as Whittier's chief academic officer, providing leadership for the College's academic programs, faculty development, student success initiatives, and strategic academic planning.
