Stephen E. Whittaker, Ph.D., Receives Earl Award
Stephen E. Whittaker, Ph.D., professor of English and theatre at The University of Scranton, received the 2023 John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. From left are: Joseph Marina, S.J., president; Dr. Whittaker, John L. Earl III Award recipient; Karen Earl Kolon, M.D. ’85, daughter of the late John Earl; and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.Stephen E. Whittaker, Ph.D., professor of English and theatre, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. The 2023 John L. Earl III Award was presented at the University’s annual Fall Convocation, which took place on campus on Aug. 31.
The award is given annually to a member of the University community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. John Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996.
Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor emerita of nursing and the 2022 John L. Earl III Award recipient, announced Dr. Whittaker as the 2023 recipient at the Fall Convocation. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president of academic affairs, along with Karen Earl Kolon, M.D. ’85, daughter of the late John Earl, presented the award to Dr. Whittaker.
Described as the quintessential Renaissance man by Dr. Zalon in announcing the award, Dr. Whittaker was also noted as “a highly-regarded speaker at faculty seminars,” and a faculty member frequently invited to speak at classes “across virtually all disciplines at the University.”
Known for his exacting standards, Dr. Whittaker teaches several of the University’s most-demanding – and most-rewarding – courses. He also serves as moderator for Esprit, the University’s journal of arts and letters.
In addition to his teaching and research, during his four decades of service at Scranton, Dr. Whittaker has served on numerous committees and boards, including the Faculty Senate, FAC and as the acting chair of the English and Theatre Department.
Dr. Whittaker received the University’s 2017 Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes faculty members who have contributed service to the University community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues. He received the University’s 2020 Magis Award for Excellence in Adapting Classic Principles of Jesuit Pedagogy into the Curriculum. This award recognizes a faculty member who makes specific, sustained and creative efforts to adapt classic principles of Jesuit Pedagogy in his or her own courses.
Dr. Whittaker joined the University’s faculty in 1983. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Texas.
