William (Bill) Whitney

I have lived in Emmaus for 15 years, ever since I moved here for a job at Lehigh University. My daughter was 1 year old when we arrived, and now she is nearing graduation from EHS. I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, benefiting from an excellent public-school education, though I witnessed inequities that fueled my passion for ensuring every child has equal opportunity.

In 2021, I decided to run for the East Penn School Board because I wanted to give back. Serving my first term has taught me an incredible amount about the district, and I am running for a second term to put that experience to use, guiding EPSD to the next level of quality for every student.

My background is in the arts, specifically theatre and drama. While I initially pursued a Ph.D to become a university professor, the recession of 2008 led me into higher education administration. At Lehigh, I co-founded the Office of Creative Inquiry, focusing on real-world, impact-based research, and now serve as Assistant Vice Provost for Experiential Learning Programs. I see how K-12 systems often prepare students for tests, but not always for a complex world needing collaboration, compassion, and creativity. I believe East Penn can nurture those essential skills.

East Penn schools are outstanding by many measures thanks to dedicated students, teachers, and staff. But we could improve culture and communication, expand electives, especially in the arts, and allow more project-based, collaborative learning. As a board member, I want to advance these conversations if I earn a second term.

In my free time, I love traveling, watching films and sports, and spending time with my wife, daughter, our lab mix Maggie, and extended family and friends.