Q&A with Dr. Joe Whitehead

Provost/senior vice president for academic affairs brings wealth of administrative experience to role

By Bonnie Blankinship
 
Dr. Joe B. Whitehead Jr. joined Bowling Green State University as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs on January 22, bringing a wealth of administrative experience to the role.
 
He came to BGSU from his position as professor of physics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) and senior adviser for research with the University of North Carolina System, North Carolina’s state office of higher education, where he managed an extensive portfolio of research initiatives. He served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at NCAT, and as dean of the College of Science and Technology at the University of Southern Mississippi.
 
A physicist specializing in liquid crystal and polymer materials, Whitehead has a strong background in applied sciences and research and has held faculty appointments in physics and chemistry.
 
He and his wife, Sonia, have a daughter, Alyssa, who is the assistant women’s soccer coach at the University of California Davis, and a son, Nickolas, who will finish his master’s degree in chemistry at NCAT in May.
 
Q. Where did you grow up?
 
A. I grew up in Picayune, Mississippi, 50 miles north of New Orleans.
 
Q. When did you realize you wanted to be a scientist? Was there someone or something in your youth that inspired you?
 
A. I have always had an interest in science. Watching “Star Trek” as a young person piqued my interest in science.
 
Q. Please tell us a little bit about your academic background and how you chose physics as a major.
 
A. I have a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree in physics. My bachelor’s degree is from Delta State University and my master’s and doctoral degrees are from Kent State University. My first college major was pre-engineering, which would have required a transfer from Delta State University to Mississippi State University as a junior. I switched to physics as a sophomore after a summer experience at Stennis Space Center and receiving an athletic scholarship in football. I chose physics because of my high school physics experience and because the physics requirements overlapped with pre-engineering.
 
Q. Was there one discovery or other moment during your research that you remember as being particularly satisfying?
 
A. Yes, I worked on polymer dispersed liquid crystal films that contained liquid crystal droplets one millionth of a meter in diameter dispersed in a polymer film. My “ah ha” moment was when the experimental data matched the predictions of a newly developed mathematical model.
 
Q. As the provost of BGSU, what opportunities do you see to encourage other young people to go into science?
 
A. First, exposure to science and understanding its contributions to society through technological advances such as liquid crystal flat-panel displays used in cell phones and computers. Second, communicating the career opportunities and preparation required for success. Third, breaking down the stereotypes and misperceptions about scientists.
 
Q. As dean of the College of Science and Technology at the University of Southern Mississippi, you led the development of new programs in engineering, science and logistics, and innovative initiatives to support students and increase research, scholarship and creative activities. Do you think there are similar areas of growth for BGSU?
 
A. Yes, there are similar areas of opportunity at BGSU, and we are exploring areas of opportunity in health care and applied sciences.
 
Q. Have you seen a shift in the landscape in terms of support for the sciences?
 
A. Yes, I have seen a positive shift in the support of the sciences. A key factor in this shift is the society’s enhanced understanding of the scientific underpinnings of the technology that improves our quality of life.
 
Q. How do you see the role of research fitting into the greater picture of university life?
 
A. Research and creative activity enrich society through enhanced quality of life through breakthroughs in medical care, cures for diseases, and understanding and predicting weather and climate patterns. University researchers have led the way and will continue to lead the way in scientific and technological breakthroughs, working with graduate and undergraduate researchers.
 
Q. How in your view do the humanities and the sciences complement one another?
 
A. They really do complement one another. A scientist must understand that the ethics and potential impact of their research on society is paramount. Therefore, scientists should understand humanities and individuals in the humanities should understand science. For example, science should inform policy-making decisions.
 
Q. You’ve held many administrative positions, including provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State College. Do you ever miss your days as a researcher in liquid crystal and polymer materials?
 
A. Yes, there are times when I miss the days of pursuing the next great life-changing discovery. However, there are rewarding aspects of administration. This is especially true during graduation ceremonies when celebrating student achievement.
 
Q. What achievement as an administrator has been most rewarding?
 
A. The most rewarding achievement is observing students who have overcome obstacles, graduate and go on to successful careers.
 
Q. This is not the first time in your career you’ve lived in Ohio. What drew you to Bowling Green?
 
A. Bowling Green is a special institution with a rich history of transforming lives.

Q. How do you view the role of provost in terms of service to faculty and the University?
A. Faculty are essential to the success of an institution fulfilling its mission of teaching, research and service. Therefore, it is essential the provost facilitates opportunities that support advancement in teaching, research/creative activities and service.
 
Q. What lessons of adulthood have you learned?
 
A. The lessons I am learning are listening carefully and patience.
 
Q. Do you have a personal philosophy of life? Of education?
 
A. My philosophy of life is respect for others regardless of real or perceived differences. We are more alike than different.