From an early age, David had a passion for all things sports. As a youth, David participated in community recreation leagues in his hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. During his high school and college years he participated in football, track and field and basketball. This love of sports led to his passion for working with young people. David spent many years coaching youth baseball, football, and swim teams in Columbia South Carolina. David witnessed early in his own life the benefits of providing educational and recreational programs for young people. His life is epitomized by his mentorship and development of young people into productive, active citizens.
David was a graduate of C. A. Johnson High School in Columbia, South Carolina. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Allen University. While at Allen he became a member of the Grand Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. After graduation David served in the United States Army. David furthered his education by earning a master’s degree in Recreation Administration from North Carolina Central University and Ph. D in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from Clemson University.
David had various jobs early in life, but he devoted most of his career to the students at Benedict College in Columbia South Carolina. For over forty years he served many roles at Benedict including Assistant Professor, Department Chair, Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, and Vice President of Student Affairs. In addition, he served as an Adjunct Professor at Clemson University while on sabbatical during 1986 – 1988.
David received many awards and acknowledgements throughout his career. He is featured on the Columbia Housing Authority Wall of Fame for Outstanding Community Service and the Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Field of Recreation Award by South Carolina Recreation and Park Society. He also served on various boards to include Faculty representative to the Board of Trustees Benedict College, Board of Directors Columbia Chapter of United States Youth Games Program, South Carolina Recreation and Parks Society Board of Directors.
David will always be remembered as a wonderful husband and father. But to so many young people he was the greatest teacher, mentor, advocate, coach of all time.
More Information
Dr. Whaley was inducted to the Columbia Housing Authority Wall of Fame in 1995. To learn more, visit HERE
To request a copy of Dr. Whaley’s dissertation, Humor as a Moderator of Negative Stress Responses in Incarcerated Adolescent Males (1991), visit HERE
To learn more about primary progressive aphasia, visit HERE
To access mental health resources for you or someone you love, visit HERE