Passing of Kim Whitley
Dear colleagues,I write to share the sad news that Kim Whitley, Senior Instructor, Emeritus, at William & Mary, passed away on May 14, 2024. Professor Whitley was born in North Carolina on March 3, 1955, to Edgar Whitley and Elizabeth Sullivan. He received his B.S. degree in Outdoor Recreation from Old Dominion University in 1984. Prof. Whitley later received his M.A. in Education (1991) and Ed.S. degree (1996) at William & Mary. He joined the Department of Kinesiology in 1984 as an adjunct, then full-time in 1988. Prof. Whitley was an outstanding member of its faculty. During his more than 31-year tenure at William & Mary, he taught a wide range of courses, including kayaking, white water canoeing, rock climbing, adventure games and outdoor leadership. Prof. Whitley was particularly well-known for the course “Ski Maine” taught over the Winter Breaks. Students across a wide range of academic disciplines often described their experiences in the courses taught by Prof. Whitley and his colleagues in the activity program as some of the most memorable experiences at William & Mary.
Prof. Whitley enjoyed life to the fullest. He and his wife Pam traveled from New Zealand to Alaska and visited most of Europe on hiking, camping, and bicycling trips and where he climbed The Matterhorn. He biked across America and completed many long-distance bike rides. Prof. Whitley was a member of the U.S. National Dragonboat championship team that represented the United States at the 1986 World Championships in Hong Kong.
Prof. Whitley was a treasured colleague on high-altitude research projects during which he served as the climbing team leader on Mt. Elbert, Mt. Hood, and Mt. Rainier (where he assisted in a research climb resulting in setting the record for the oldest person to summit Mt. Rainier). In 1997and 2013, he climbed an unnamed 14,137-ft. peak in Colorado where he and a colleague placed a William & Mary flag. While the U.S. Board on Geographic Names denied (twice) an application to officially name Mt. William & Mary, it is there for all to enjoy.
At William & Mary, Prof. Whitley was an Advisor to first-year and transfer students as well as Faculty Advisor to the Cycling Club and the Rock Climbing Club. He also served on the Landscape, Energy and Environment Committee and many departmental committees. Prof. Whitley co-authored two books for the American Canoe Association. He also served on the ACA Board of Directors for more than a decade. His multiple certifications in outdoor activities allowed him to travel widely as an Instructor Trainer in various disciplines.
Prof. Whitley adored his family and was adored by them. His first love was his immediate family, and his second love was his extended family including thousands of his William & Mary students who were the lasting beneficiaries of his wit and wisdom. Everyone who knows Prof. Whitley will miss him greatly.
Prof. Whitley was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Pam Whitley, his son Logan Whitley, and his daughter Kirsten and son-in-law Chad Schmidt. He is also survived by his two elder brothers, Greg Whitley and Barry Whitley, as well as numerous other family members.
Memorial donations can be made in his name to the Shenandoah National Park Trust or the Virginia Beach United Methodist Church.
Best,
Peggy
__________________________
Peggy Agouris
Provost
William & Mary
The Brafferton
Williamsburg, VA 23187
