Beloved psychology professor, Dr. David A. Whitsett excelled at sparking students' excitement about psychology using his natural storytelling and presentation skills. He was instrumental in creating UNI's Industrial Psychology graduate program, and touched countless lives during his decades at UNI. Dr. Whitsett was an avid marathon runner. He co-created UNI's legendary 'Mental Health & Fitness' marathon running course of the 80s and 90s in a unique collaboration with Dr. Forrest Dolgener, UNI professor of physical education. The course gained national attention, was featured in Runner's World magazine, and inspired the widely known book The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer for new marathon runners. Dr. Whitsett was also deeply involved in UNI athletics for many years, especially wrestling. He took pride in helping coaches and athletes "create their own realities" in pursuit of their highest-level performance. In 2024, Dr. David A. Whitsett died after 82 years of a meaningful, high-quality life. Dr. Whitsett wished to be remembered as a man who left others feeling energized, included, and significant. He will be remembered by family, friends, former colleagues, and alumni for years to come. To honor his memory, the Whitsett family, joined by a group of Dr. Whitsett's former students, have established the David A. Whitsett Legacy of Imagination Endowed Scholarship. This fund will provide scholarship support for a junior or senior with financial need, majoring in psychology, with preference to a student pursuing the Work Psychology Certificate -- Dr. Whitsett's specialty.
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