About DR. LOUIS WHITESIDES

Dr. Louis Whitesides

Born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Dr. Louis Whitesides is an accomplished higher education administrative professional and the Vice President and Executive Director of the SC State University 1890 Research & Extension Program; a federal and state supported program set to transform the lives of South Carolinians by conducting problem-solving research with the intention to provide quality lifelong learning opportunities. 

Whitesides has a built a career founded on strong academic merit; featuring a Doctor of Business Administration in International Business (University of Sarasota), MSC. in Business Management (Southern Wesleyan University), BSC. in Computer Science (South Carolina State University), and completed Post-Doctoral training at Cornell and Harvard universities. He is adept in all matters development as well as the application of business and economic development models across different countries. 

Whitesides has a history working with renowned corporations such as the Family Health Centers, Inc. in South Carolina and the American Yard Products (now Husqvarna). Leveraging the wisdom of this experience, he learned the skills in leadership, teamwork and organization unique to the corporate world and brings them to bear in his federal career to serve the people of South Carolina. Serving in his executive capacity, Whitesides is a direct report to the President and a member of the President's cabinet with a budgetary responsibility of over $18 million, and manages a staff of 107 faculty, staff and students.

Whitesides has managed to maintain communications with funding agencies as well as partnership organizations and advises university administrators, faculty and staff on trends and factors affecting faculty competitiveness. Among his most significant responsibilities and achievements include providing leadership and coordination in the development, implementation, operation and assessment of the 1890 Research & Extension Program with the sole intention of supporting creative scholarship, community engagement and research throughout the University.

With deep industry knowledge, coupled with an analytical, detail-oriented approach, Whitesides is equipped to understand the needs of the most discerning situations, delivering an experience rooted in service, integrity and expertise. His strong leadership and coordination skills make him a keen advocate for the institution and those he serves, proactively seeking out new opportunities to enhance his services and continually attain excellence. Whitesides has a unique ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships, an attribute that has contributed greatly to his success. He is a friendly and easy to get along with kind of person, using effective and efficient communication skills, attention to detail, time management and organization and always bringing his best self to the task with a positive attitude in order to get things done. 

Whitesides is motivated by the desire to become a global expert in his field and has traveled extensively to countries such as the Czech Republic, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, China, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Bermuda and Dominican Republic. This grants him a sophisticated and nuanced perspective that elevates his current work.