Whittier College President Dr. Sharon D. Herzberger can be found cheering for various Whittier athletic teams, also known as the Poets; attending college plays; or casually strolling on campus with students, faculty and staff in her well known “Walk and Talks.”
Since taking the helm as Whittier’s 14th president in 2005, Herzberger has helped to further Whittier’s legacy as one of the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions for cultural diversity today.
Her unique background in social psychology and social cognition allowed her to challenge students to continuously practice cross-cultural engagement and be intentional in their efforts to overcome implicit prejudices. This, she says, creates an environment for students to become better leaders, better professionals and, ultimately, “fairer as human beings.”
“Being around people who have different backgrounds helps you practice not making stereotype judgments about people, and our students benefit from that at a college like this,” Herzberger says. “Students who want that kind of environment seek it. They come here knowing what we are and they contribute to it.”
Although Herzberger’s time at Whittier is drawing to a close — she will be retiring at the end of the 2017-2018 academic year — her legacy will shape future students’ experiences for years to come due to the opportunities established and enhanced during her tenure at the college.
Under her 13-year leadership, the college increased undergraduate enrollment by 20 percent, doubled the number of students studying abroad, conferred more than 4,414 bachelor’s and master’s degrees and deepened its commitment to undergraduate research, fellowships and internships, among other applied and service learning opportunities.
She oversaw the establishment of more than 300 new fellowships for students, the launch of career development events such as the “Backpack to Briefcase” series and “Lessons on Leadership” program and new opportunities planned by the Center for Engagement with Communities. The center allows students to learn alongside alumni or other professionals in government, health care or other organizations.
