Comments from Colleagues

"In Whitworth's history, no new president has known Whitworth better or loved Whitworth more than Scott McQuilkin. I have watched him lead with confidence, humility and strength for almost 29 years. In 1995, when I asked (begged) Scott to reduce his time as a faculty member and become Whitworth's director of athletics, he asked me what I expected of him. I answered by saying I wanted our athletic programs to be a reflection of him. I couldn't think of a loftier goal. Soon we were hanging conference all-sports championship banners in the fieldhouse. Some 14 years later, I asked Dr. McQuilkin to head up institutional advancement. He and his team kept the banners coming, but ones in the form of friends and funds supporting Whitworth at unprecedented levels. Scott is one of the most talented people I have ever met. He's good at everything, except maybe oboe. But if there is one quality that exceeds his estimable abilities, it is his honor. In the 17 years we worked together and the 12 years since, never have I seen a hint of Scott putting himself in front of the mission or the institution. His high integrity and low self-importance will inspire the trust from the entire university community. Scott McQuilkin, along with his strong, smart and gracious partner, Janice, will safeguard Whitworth's mission and fill its future with bright hope."

– Bill Robinson, President Emeritus, Whitworth University

"I am thrilled about Dr. McQuilkin's appointment as Whitworth's next leader. Scott has been a part of the Whitworth family since he was 18 years old. It's no exaggeration to say that he may have unmatched experience with and knowledge of Whitworth's unique educational mission and culture. Scott will successfully champion Whitworth's Christ-centered approach to higher education, and Whitworth, empowered by Scott's leadership, will continue to stand among the country's finest faith-based universities. For 11 years, Scott was a vital part of my administration, and I received trusted and wise counsel from him on all the major decisions of my tenure. I was a better president and Whitworth is a stronger place because of his leadership. Dr. McQuilkin is the perfect person to lead Whitworth during its next season of growth and prosperity. Julie and I will be cheering loudly as Scott and Janice serve the Whitworth family with distinction. They have our enthusiastic and unqualified support."

– Beck A. Taylor, Samford University President and Whitworth's 18th President

"We have been working closely with Scott in his interim capacity since last May and deeply appreciate his collaborative leadership style as he thoughtfully and proactively seeks faculty, staff and student voices on important issues that impact how we live out our mind-and-heart mission. Faculty have a true and authentic partner in Scott. We are looking forward to continuing our close relationship with him and supporting him as our 19th president as we step up together to new and exciting possibilities."

– Dawn Keig, Whitworth University Faculty President and Associate Professor of Business & Economics

"I have had the distinct pleasure of working very closely with Scott McQuilkin since last August when I began serving as the interim chief diversity officer/associate vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI). From its inception my interactions with him caused me to feel confident in his leadership and his ability to serve as Whitworth's 19th president. I am particularly excited about Dr. McQuilkin's presidency because he has demonstrated to me that he is committed to DEI and advancing equity-minded practices throughout Whitworth University. He is always willing to listen, but more importantly, he is willing to take action and invest needed resources to DEI initiatives. I am very encouraged that Whitworth will continue to implement equity and inclusive excellence practices throughout our campus, building on all the work that we have done over the previous years. If Whitworth is going to continue to be on the forefront of private, liberal arts education, then it is imperative that diversity, equity and inclusion is a university priority. I believe that Scott is the individual Whitworth needs to take the institution to the next level because he is aware of the national landscape as well as local issues. I look forward to continuing to work alongside him for as long as possible, to ensure that this happens."

– Roberta Wilburn, Interim Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Whitworth University

"It has been a blessing to get to know and work with Scott McQuilkin this school year. He is quick to listen and deeply cares about the good of students and the university. I appreciate how intentional he is about knowing students past the basics of their year and major to more things that they are passionate about. Throughout the roles he has had at Whitworth, he has served as an encouragement to and an advocate for many in the community. I can confidently say that as Whitworth's next president, Scott will lead with humility and passion, looking to move Whitworth forward into a new chapter while honoring God every step of the way."

– Rachel Ayres '22, President, Associated Students of Whitworth University

"What makes Scott's leadership style so effective is his unique combination of vision, compassion, humor and humility. In our work together over the past several years, we have faced an unprecedented set of uncertainties. Undaunted by these challenges, Scott has proved highly capable of steering and guiding in these times of rapid change. In my view, Whitworth University is truly fortunate to have such quality, proven leadership residing in its new president."

– Thomas Reynolds, CEO, Northwest Harvest

"The best way that I can describe Scott McQuilkin is 'servant leader.' Scott will be an outstanding 19th president of Whitworth University. He embodies a commitment to Whitworth's mission to provide our students an education of mind and heart that enables them to 'honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity.' Scott understands and lives as an example of Whitworth's distinct Christian identity. He has successfully served Whitworth in many roles, so he knows our institution from the inside out. God has led us to select Dr. Scott McQuilkin as Whitworth's 19th president, and I could not be more grateful!

"Scott understands what makes Whitworth unique and has an outstanding ability to lead our diverse student body, families, staff and faculty to not only preserve, but promote our culture and values. His personal commitment to Christ is evident in all that he does in his life. Scott will use his gifts of excellence, commitment, work ethic, intelligence, calm and humility as he forges his strategic vision and plan for Whitworth's present and future."

– Barbara Richter '77, Whitworth Trustee and Presidential Search Committee Co-Chair

"I am so thankful and thrilled about the appointment of Scott McQuilkin to become the 19th president of Whitworth University. It takes a rare person to actually walk the 'narrow ridge' which Whitworth occupies in our pairing of faith and learning. Scott embodies that ridge throughout his soul, and he will continue the exquisite paradox of our vision. I have known Scott for 30 years now, as his pastor, a friend, and a trustee. I have seen him serve this institution from the baseball field to the athletic director's perch; from his role in institutional advancement to the interim president's chair. He has my full confidence and my prayers for this next step in his relationship to Whitworth."

– James Singleton, Whitworth Trustee Emeritus and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Professor

"I just love Scott McQuilkin! I am delighted to know that he will be Whitworth University's 19th president.

"I love that when I arrived at Whitworth Church, Scott immediately gave me a family pass to sporting events at the university. I love that when I was invited to his small group – he and Janice have a small group! – it took me most of the evening to discover he earned a Ph.D. and has worked at Whitworth University his entire career. I love that when we meet he is fully engaged in the moment, even in the midst of daunting responsibilities. I love that he is committed to Christ, his family and worshiping in a local congregation. I love that he is a leader with true Christian character and conviction. I love that his effortless humor and eloquence is exceeded by his striking humility. I prayed for Scott daily during this interim season of leadership; my prayers are now accompanied by joyful celebration at the providential timing of his selection as president. I just love Scott McQuilkin, and I am convinced that God has called the right person to serve in this role 'for such a time as this.'"

– Rev. Daniel White, Pastor, Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church

"As a leader, Scott McQuilkin empowers others. He embodies the Christian and educational values that is Whitworth. His face lights up when he speaks of the life-changing experiences of students and alumni stemming from their Whitworth education. At this kairos moment, his election as president is a gift to all of us in the Whitworth family."

– Ron White, Historian and Author and Former Whitworth Chaplain and Theology Department Chair