 Ellen Marie Whitener, Senior Associate Dean and Professor
at the McIntire School of Commerce, passed away peacefully March 22, 2005, in Charlottesville after a brief illness. She was 47.
(The
Cavalier Daily; The
Daily Progress)
A member of the McIntire faculty since 1988, Ellen had more than 15 years of experience in human resource management and general consulting in financial services, health care, and government services. She worked with a wide range of organizations in evaluating personnel functions; building teams and strategic vision; designing, administering, and analyzing employee surveys; and conducting workshops on topics such as customer service,
team building, coaching, and trust. She conducted research on employee commitment, trust, and human resource practices that was published in journals such as
Academy of Management Review and Journal of Applied
Psychology.
“She was the glue that held the School together,” said McIntire Dean Carl
Zeithaml. “She was innovative, committed to excellence, compassionate, tough when she needed to be, a mentor, a leader, and a friend to everyone at the Comm School as well as to the larger community.
“As Senior Associate Dean, Ellen was responsible for faculty and programs, and she was valued and trusted by all in the McIntire School community. In addition, she was respected and worked well with many offices within the University. Ellen’s passing marks a tremendous loss to our leadership team and our faculty.”
A Higher Level of Caring
Commerce School faculty members echo those sentiments, recalling Ellen’s unique blend of compassion combined with a deep commitment to her work and research. “She challenged, by example, the faculty to a higher level of teaching, research, and service,” Professor Richard DeMong said. Added Professor James Burroughs, “She really saw students as peers, friends, and people she could mentor and help.”
Professor Lynn Hamilton spoke of Ellen’s great influence on the Comm School—and the sense of loss that faculty, students, and staff all share. “The grief has been palpable at School, and I think many of us are still struggling to come to terms with the reality of Ellen’s death. People have shared wonderful stories about Ellen’s countless acts of kindness, as well as her brilliance and humor. Her influence will be felt for many, many years, I’m absolutely sure.”
Her Door Was Always Open
Students made their affection for Ellen known by creating a memory board with photos and mementos and holding a memorial service in Monroe Hall’s courtyard. They also painted a Beta Bridge tribute that read “Dean Whitener: Inspiration to Us All.” Her Block 5 Commerce class engaged in a spontaneous, multi-faith prayer for her, said Rebecca Leonard, McIntire’s Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services.
Students recall Ellen as a mentor who was always available.
“Quite literally, her door was always open—no problem was too small,” said Janet Pinkston (McIntire ’06).
“She just had the best outlook on life, and she was always helping others,” Erica Strine (McIntire ’06) said.
“She really completed the Comm School experience,” Nassim Hooshmandnia (McIntire ’06) added.
Committed to Community Service
In addition to her many notable McIntire activities, Ellen was committed to serving the broader community. She served on the boards of directors of the Paramount Theater, Hospice of the Piedmont, and Charlottesville’s Center for Christian Study and served on the national board of trustees for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She was on the organizing committee for the first “Women Build” house constructed by the Charlottesville-Albemarle chapter of Habitat for Humanity and continued to volunteer building houses.
Honoring a Life Well Lived
A memorial service at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville blended music with tears and smiles of appreciation as students, faculty, and friends shared appreciation of a life well lived.
During the service, Professor Ryan Nelson recalled Ellen this way: “I’m going to remember her unique sense of humor that was often accompanied by that unique smile of hers, where the corners of her mouth would go up almost to the corners of her eyes. The last time I got to speak with Ellen was just a few days ago during my annual review meeting, which can be a tense time for most people. Ellen walked into the room, looked at me, and said, ‘Ryan, I think we’re going to keep you.’ Picture that unique smile coming up on her face.
“Well, Ellen, I think we’re going to keep you too—in our hearts and in our minds forever.”
Honoring Ellen
In addition to the many tributes discussed here, McIntire will formally honor Ellen’s contributions to the School in at least two ways. First, the office of the Senior Associate Dean in the new building complex will be named for her. Ellen was an important part of the planning process for the new facility, and she had an impact on many aspects of the project. Second, her tremendous commitment to her faculty colleagues will be preserved through the Ellen Marie Whitener Faculty Fellowship Fund. Contributions to the fund may be sent to the following address:
Diana M. Staples
McIntire School of Commerce Foundation
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400173
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4173
(Note on check: Ellen Marie Whitener Fund)
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