In a video series titled “Perspective: Leaders at Penn State,” Charles Whiteman, John and Karen Arnold Dean of the Penn State Smeal College of Business, reflects on his passion for word puzzles as an opportunity to explore the importance of thinking through problems with others.  

The series gives us a glimpse of the personal passions that have driven our leaders and have shaped their perspectives and impact at Penn State and beyond. 

Watch and learn how Whiteman encourages students, faculty and staff at Penn State to see that they can be more competitive by working together. 

Readers also can watch the other videos in the series featuring:

• Clarence Lang, the Susan Welch Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts, on film and empathy.
• Marie Hardin, dean of the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, on running and growth.
• Lee Kump, John Leone Dean in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, on diving and discovery.
• Laurie A. Badzek, dean of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, on connections and impact.
• Danielle M. Conway, dean and Donald J. Farage Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law, on art and conflict resolution.
• Kimberly A. Lawless, dean of Penn State’s College of Education, on remaking furniture and supporting individual talents.
• Richard Roush, dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, on fishing and curiosity.
• Justin Schwartz, executive vice president and provost at Penn State and former Harold and Inge Marcus Dean in the College of Engineering, on baseball and teamwork.
• B Stephen Carpenter II, Michael J. and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Dean in the College of Arts and Architecture, on ceramics and imagination.
• Tracy Langkilde, Verne M. Willaman Dean of the Eberly College of Science, on trail running and pursuing passions.
• Andrew Sears, dean of the College of Information Sciences and Technology, on reflecting and realizing opportunity.
• Craig J. Newschaffer, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean of the College of Health and Human Development, on playing music and being a force multiplier.

The entire series can be found on Penn State News or on Penn State’s YouTube channel where new videos will continue to be shared.