Whitney McDowell-Robinson, Ph.D., NCC

Whitney McDowell-Robinson serves as the Vice President for Student Development & Engagement at Brenau University. Dr. McDowell-Robinson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jackson State University, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Urban Higher Education also from Jackson State University.

Active in an array of professional and civic organizations, she served as the 2022-2023 Corresponding Secretary for the Jackson (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., 2020-2022 Director – College for the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Board of Directors, 2020-2021 Jackson Workforce Leadership Academy Fellow for the Aspen Institute, and the 2018-2019 President of the Mississippi Association of Colleges & Employers (MACE). Additionally, she is a member of the Junior League of Gainesville Hall County, the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, the Mississippi Association of International Educators, the National Career Development Association, the Mississippi Counseling Association, the Southern Association of Colleges & Employers, and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Among numerous keynotes, publications, presentations, and grant awards, Dr. McDowell-Robinson is also the recipient of the 2021 Lifestyle Education and Resource Services’ Community Service and Enhancement Award, 2020 NACE/Spelman Johnson Rising Star Award, and the 2018 Outstanding Career Services Professional (MACE). Dr. McDowell-Robinson was also placed in the 2017 Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Mississippi Hall of Fame, and honored as a 2017 Tougaloo College “40 Under 40” award recipient. Additionally, she is a national board-certified mental health counselor, and she often volunteers her services with local community organizations.