Albert "Bart" Whitehead
Dr. Albert (Bart) Whitehead serves as the University’s Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer, providing strategic leadership for academic affairs across all colleges. He oversees academic planning, faculty development, enrollment management, curriculum oversight, and collaboration among the University’s academic units while working closely with the President to advance Larkin University’s mission and strategic priorities.
Dr. Whitehead has served as Dean of the College of Biomedical Sciences at Larkin University, where he has provided outstanding leadership and played a key role in advancing the University’s academic mission. He brings more than 23 years of executive leadership experience in higher education and is nationally recognized for his expertise in academic administration, enrollment management, admissions, student affairs, and institutional operations.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Whitehead has held senior leadership positions in both dental and medical education, including serving as Assistant Dean at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and Assistant Dean at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. His experience spans virtually every aspect of academic administration, including admissions, student services, financial aid, academic advising, and strategic enrollment management. Over the course of his career, he has reviewed thousands of professional school applications and mentored more than 4,000 future healthcare professionals, helping shape the next generation of clinicians and healthcare leaders.
Beyond his institutional leadership, Dr. Whitehead has served in numerous leadership roles with national organizations, including the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). He is also an accomplished educator and author, having co-authored the first edition of Barron’s Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Review and contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications.
Dr. Whitehead holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), a Master of Education (M.Ed.), and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), reflecting a unique combination of clinical, academic, and executive leadership expertise.
Dr. Bart Whitehead’s scholarship and professional work reflect more than two decades of emphasis on student-centered education, effective teaching, and student success. His research has examined student recruitment and matriculation decisions, inclusive learning environments, diversity in health professions education, ethical academic climates, and strategies for supporting students from varied backgrounds. He has participated in externally funded initiatives and secured or contributed to grants totaling more than $1.15 million to support student financial assistance, educational technology, health professions pathways, and opportunities for disadvantaged students. His experience in curriculum development, faculty teaching review, mentoring, academic support, and professional development demonstrates a sustained commitment to improving teaching and advancing student achievement.