The Gordon Whitaker Scholarship

History

Gordon Whitaker came to UNC in 1973 and taught courses in the MPA program when it was still a part of the UNC Political Sciences Department. He continued to teach when the program moved to the School of Government and served as director of the MPA program from 1980–1992.

Whitaker’s MPA courses focused on organization theory, public management, and leadership. He also created the Public Intersection Project to improve working relationships between governments and local businesses, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic institutions, and faith communities. In 1997, he helped found the School’s NC Civic Education Consortium. Whitaker has been honored for his contributions and achievements by the international City and County Management Association, the Carolina Center for Public Service, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society, and numerous other organizations.

Recipient

This Scholarship is awarded to a MPA student with an outstanding academic record, with preference given to one in her or his second-year.

Award Information

For more information about this award, contact MPA staff member Susan Lynch at lynch@sog.unc.edu(link sends e-mail).

To support the Gordon Whitaker Scholarship, visit our giving page.

News & Events

October 10, 2025

Each fall the MPA program brings students together for the immersion – a weekend-long intensive…

August 23, 2025

Each fall the MPA program brings students together for the immersion – a weekend-long intensive…

View Event

  • Alumni

July 29, 2025

Each fall the MPA program brings students together for the immersion – a weekend-long intensive…