Unique Allure

The Colorado College motto, Scientia et Disciplina, Latin translated as ‘acquiring knowledge and living it,’ is a perfect articulation of the vision that Interim President Manya Whitaker has for the institution. When asked what initially drew her to Colorado Springs and what ultimately keeps her here, she reflects on an unexpected journey. Fresh out of graduate school at Vanderbilt, she arrived in Colorado Springs on a nine-month contract with Colorado College (CC).

“I’ll be honest,” she said, “I hadn’t planned on staying. I’d never been here before, and my family is spread up and down the East Coast.”

However, Colorado Springs quickly began to feel like home. Beyond the professional opportunities, it was the lifestyle that captivated her. “The weather is incredible, especially for someone used to the Southern humidity. It’s just so beautiful here,” she shared. “But more than that, it’s the active lifestyle. I never thought I’d be drawn to it, but being here has allowed me to embrace a healthier life, discover new interests, and enjoy the mountains that I’ve come to love.”

Professionally, Manya has made an impressive trajectory—from a nine-month postdoctoral contract to her current role as Interim President. “I started as a postdoctoral fellow in the education department, on what was initially just a short-term contract.”

By the end of her first year, conversations began with the Dean of Faculty about a possible permanent role as a tenure-track professor which she eventually accepted in 2013. Over the years, she has embraced numerous opportunities, moving between divisions, taking on leadership roles, and continually expanding her impact.

“I always say that CC invested in me, and I’ve grown up here,” she reflects. “The excitement has always come from engaging in new roles with new people. Being Interim President is particularly meaningful because it allows me to give back to a college that has given me so much.”

Beginning under the leadership of former President L. Song Richardson, and continuing under Manya, CC has become a leader in building a culture of belonging and inclusiveness.

“We’re committed to taking deliberate steps toward our goal of becoming an anti-racist institution,” she notes, reflecting on CC’s journey. This goal was set in 2019, and last year the Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging unveiled a strategic plan titled A Strategy for a More Just World. This plan rests on three key pillars: designing infrastructure, building capacity, and cultivating community.

These pillars shape much of what happens on campus, from faculty development initiatives to student engagement. The Crown Center for Teaching, for example, supports faculty through instructional coaching, a mentoring alliance, and monthly lunches focused on creating inclusive classrooms.

For students, the Creativity and Innovation Center within Crown fosters a sense of belonging. For employees, the Human Resources department offers programs such as Excel at CC, an annual series that includes around 30 workshops and trainings on a wide range of topics.

A central focus is building a community of care. “We’re always thinking about how to engage everyone in the work of creating a welcoming and affirming environment,” she says, emphasizing that fostering belonging is a shared responsibility rather than one confined to a single office. She acknowledges a stereotype around the economic privilege often associated with the college, but underscores CC’s commitment to inclusivity and shared values in its community-building efforts.

When asked about the everyday values that guide her, she reflected on the evolving needs of Colorado Springs. “As a community, we have to recognize that the demographics of Colorado Springs are changing,” she says. “That means adapting our approach to education, from early childhood through higher education and adult learning.”

She highlights that education is just one social institution among many, including religion and government, which all impact the core institution of family.

“In some ways, I’m less concerned about inclusion and more concerned about equity. We have a large military population here with very distinct needs. We also now have multi generational families where they have childcare considerations, but also elder care considerations. All of that has implications for education needs. Educational leaders, including myself, have to sit down and map out a plan for balancing cross sectional needs.”

Looking ahead, as CC celebrates its 150th anniversary, she shares her vision for the institution’s future. “I’ve been here for 13 years now, and as someone with a background in liberal arts education from a different part of the country, I want to see CC claim its unique space in the market,” she says. As the only selective liberal arts institution in the Rocky Mountain region, and one of only four colleges nationwide to offer the Block Plan, CC occupies a special niche.

“CC offers an incredible mix of academics, arts, athletics, and access to nature. It appeals to everyone, whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures or, like me, prefer walking distance to restaurants, shows, and athletic events,” she explains. “We’re not one-dimensional; CC has something for everyone, regardless of background or interest. My hope is for CC to be known as a place that provides people with what they need to grow and thrive.”

As she envisions the next 150 years, her dedication to CC’s role as a beacon of equity and adaptability in the evolving landscape of higher education shines through.

When asked about the most essential priority for CC and Colorado Springs to reach their full potential, she doesn’t hesitate. “We have to tell our stories better,” she says.

She acknowledges that Colorado Springs is often misunderstood. “There are huge misconceptions about Colorado Springs because of its location and the military presence of the Air Force Academy and our many other military instillations. People think of us in a way that, especially over the past five years, doesn’t reflect who we truly are or who we’re becoming,” she explains.

CC, too, has a unique story to tell. “We bring distinctive value to the education market,” she notes, “but historically, we haven’t always felt an urgency to communicate that. Now, we’re being intentional about it.”

The college has launched a rebranding initiative aimed at sharing its story more effectively with a broader audience. This rebranding campaign, set to debut in August 2025, will highlight the college’s value and vision, helping both CC and Colorado Springs reshape their identities in the eyes of the world. The new story aims to redefine perceptions and showcase the opportunities, growth, and potential they both offer. It’s about not just growing, but helping people see the dynamic and vibrant communities being built.

“The story I like to make sure people know is that once they graduate, our alums join national and global communities as engaged citizens. I firmly believe that as a liberal arts institution, we strengthen humanity.”