Joe B. Whitehead Jr.
Professional Bio:
Dr. Joe. B. Whitehead Jr. is the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and brings more than 20 years of experience in the field of higher education. Whitehead has served as dean of the College of Science and Technology at the University of Southern Mississippi since 2010. His goals as dean of science and technology were to increase multi-disciplinary research opportunities for students and faculty through targeted research initiatives that have global impact, to provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, to increase student participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) areas and to enhance student retention and graduation rates.
Prior to his appointment as dean at the University of Southern Mississippi, Whitehead served as the interim dean and associate dean in the College of Science and Technology. He also chaired the department of physics and astronomy. Whitehead has held the position of professor of physics and astronomy and professor of chemistry and biochemistry since 2007.
Whitehead earned his bachelor’s degree from Delta State University in 1983, and master’s and doctoral degrees in physics in 1985 and 1989, respectively. He has contributed to a surplus of scholarly publications and presentations.
He has received countless awards, honors and recognition throughout his career for his academic achievements and service. In 2010, he was inducted into the Delta State University Alumni Hall of Fame.
