Whittier College has announced a new addition to its senior leadership team. Delite Travis brings more than two decades of advancement experience, encompassing donor relations, fundraising, program development and capital campaigns, among other skills.
“With Delite Travis joining my senior team, I am confident our constituents will find expanded opportunities to champion Whittier’s mission and priorities,” said Interim President Kristine Dillon ’73. “Delite’s impressive accomplishments reflect an energy and strategic approach that will amplify support for Whittier’s impressive successes in achieving social mobility for our graduates.”
Most recently, Travis served as executive director of Providence Mission Hospital Foundation in Orange County. Prior to that, she spent more than 10 years as an advancement professional for her alma mater, Chapman University, including as vice president of strategic engagement, development, and campaign.
"I am thrilled to join Whittier College as the vice president of development,” said Travis. “I wholeheartedly believe in our president's visionary leadership and I am deeply inspired by the College's exceptional record in promoting social mobility.”
Travis earned her master’s in leadership development from Chapman University and her bachelor’s in political science and international studies from Pepperdine University. In addition to her distinguished career at Chapman, she held leadership positions at the American Water Works Association, a nonprofit dedicated to providing clean drinking water for communities across the country, and worked as a staffer for former Sen. John McCain.
Travis is on the board of directors of Oxford Preparatory Academy Charter School and was a long-term member of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the American Society of Associate Executives (ASAE), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Alpha Phi International, and the Junior League of Orange County.
“Recognizing the critical role of fundraising in achieving our educational goals, I am eager to forge strong partnerships with our community — alumni, parents, and friends — to harness our collective strength,” Travis said. “Together, we will support and expand our programs, making a significant, positive impact on our students and the institution. I look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders and meeting everyone as we continue to empower our students and uphold our tradition of excellence through strategic development initiatives."
