Whittaker: The Academic and Administrative Legacy of a Mathematician
The life of Whittaker was defined by a seamless transition from the rigorous world of pure mathematics to the complex demands of university leadership and military service. Born on March 7, 1905, in Cambridge, he was the son of mathematician Edmund Taylor Whittaker and Mary Ferguson Macnaghten Boyd. His early environment, steeped in intellectual pursuit, laid the foundation for a distinguished career in academia.
Early Education and Academic Foundations
Whittaker's educational journey began at St Salvator's School in St Andrews, followed by Fettes College in Edinburgh. Demonstrating an early aptitude for the sciences, he entered Edinburgh University at the age of 15 to study Mathematics and Physics, earning his first MA in 1924. He further refined his expertise with three years of study at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he obtained a second MA in 1927.
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Rise Through the Academic Ranks
Whittaker began his professional career in 1927 as an assistant lecturer in Mathematics at Edinburgh University. His contributions to the field were recognized early; in 1928, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, proposed by distinguished figures including Ralph Allan Sampson, Charles Glover Barkla, Sir Charles Galton Darwin, and George James Lidstone.
After receiving his doctorate (DSc) in 1929 and completing a fellowship at Pembroke College, Cambridge, he transitioned into senior academia. In 1933, he was appointed as a professor of pure mathematics—the study of mathematical concepts independently of any application outside mathematics—at Liverpool University.
Military Service During World War II
The outbreak of the Second World War shifted Whittaker's focus from the classroom to the field. Serving with the Royal Artillery, he spent 1942 and 1943 in Egypt and Tunisia as part of the 8th Army on the staff of Field-Marshal Montgomery. By 1944 and 1945, his technical expertise led to his appointment as Scientific Advisor to the Army Council, eventually attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Leadership at the University of Sheffield
Following the war, Whittaker returned to Liverpool to serve as the Dean of Science. However, his most significant administrative impact occurred in 1953 when he moved to Sheffield to become the Vice-Chancellor of the university. Under his leadership, the institution underwent massive growth, with the student population expanding from 2,500 to 7,000.
This period of expansion required the construction of numerous buildings and the hiring of extensive new staff. His tenure was not without challenges; he oversaw the first closure of an English university department, specifically the Department of Mining. A highlight of his administration was the 1955 centenary celebration of the university, which included a visit from Queen Elizabeth II.
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Key Facts
- Born: March 7, 1905, in Cambridge.
- Education: MA from Edinburgh University (1924) and Trinity College, Cambridge (1927); DSc (1929).
- Academic Roles: Professor of Pure Mathematics at Liverpool University; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield.
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel, Scientific Advisor to the Army Council.
- Major Achievement: Oversaw the growth of the University of Sheffield from 2,500 to 7,000 students.
- Death: January 29, 1984.
| Period/Year | Role/Achievement | Institution/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1927 | Assistant Lecturer in Mathematics | Edinburgh University |
| 1928 | Fellow | Royal Society of Edinburgh |
| 1933 | Professor of Pure Mathematics | Liverpool University |
| 1942-1945 | Lt Colonel / Scientific Advisor | Royal Artillery / Army Council |
| 1953-1965 | Vice-Chancellor | University of Sheffield |
Retirement and Personal Interests
Upon retiring in 1965, Whittaker was granted the Freedom of the City of Sheffield in recognition of his service. He spent his later years pursuing passions in art and archaeology, specifically focusing on the collection of Persian antiques and watercolours. He passed away on January 29, 1984.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Whittaker receive his higher education?
Whittaker studied at Edinburgh University, where he earned an MA in 1924, and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he earned a second MA in 1927. He later received a DSc in 1929.
What was Whittaker's role during World War II?
He served in the Royal Artillery, spending time on Field-Marshal Montgomery's staff in Egypt and Tunisia, and later served as the Scientific Advisor to the Army Council with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
How did the University of Sheffield change during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor?
The university grew significantly, increasing its student body from 2,500 to 7,000, which necessitated the construction of new buildings and the hiring of more staff.
Which university department did Whittaker have to close?
During his time as Vice-Chancellor, he oversaw the closure of the Department of Mining, which was the first such closure of a department in an English university.
What were Whittaker's interests after he retired?
In retirement, he focused on archaeology and art, specifically collecting watercolours and Persian antiques.