More about Jon

Jon Whitmore knows the value of education. A first generation college graduate, Whitmore has made helping others achieve educational success his life's work. He will continue that mission at ACT.

Whitmore spent his boyhood in Stanley, North Dakota. His family owned the town's movie theater and Jon and his brother grew up watching the stars of the 40's and 50's light up the screen.

Raised with strong Midwestern values and an equally strong work ethic, Whitmore earned both his BA (1967) and MA (1968) degrees in speech from Washington State University. In 1974, he completed a PhD in theater history at the University of California–Santa Barbara. He has authored two books, directed more than 60 plays, and written more than 160 scholarly articles.

Throughout his career, six universities have benefitted from Whitmore's leadership and vision: West Virginia University, State University of New York at Buffalo, University of Texas at Austin, University of Iowa, Texas Tech University, and San Jose State University. Tracing his career path around the U.S., one might say Whitmore has come full circle to arrive at ACT.

Whitmore's philosophy is to put people first. To that end, Whitmore has been an active member on dozens of community, civic, and educational boards and organizations. He believes in offering opportunities for staff development, personal learning, and advancement.

Whitmore and his wife, Jennifer, are pleased to return to Iowa City where their two children, Ian and Amy Lee, are both students at the University of Iowa.