Gilbert R. Whitaker, Jr., provost and executive vice president emeritus for academic affairs, dean emeritus, and professor of business economics in the School of Business Administration, retired from active faculty status on August 31, 1997. Professor Whitaker received his B.A. degree from Rice University in 1953 and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin in 1958 and 1961, respectively. He served on the faculty at Northwestern University (1960-66), Washington University (1967-76, including service as associate dean from 1969-76), and Texas Christian University (professor and dean from 1976-78) before joining the University of Michigan School of Business Administration as dean and professor of business economics in 1979. He served with distinction as professor and dean until 1990, when he was appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs. Professor Whitaker's dedication to the excellence of students and programs at the business school was the foundation for the growth and success the school now enjoys. He laid the groundwork for the school's prominence and readiness to maintain a leadership position into the twenty-first century.

Regents Proceedings, October, 1997, p. 129