Jean Wihbey, Ph.D.

Jean Wihbey, Ph.D.

Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach Gardens, FL
United States

2017-2018
Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow

As provost of the Lake Worth campus at Palm Beach State College and VP for Workforce Development at the college, Dr. Wihbey is responsible for providing leadership and inspiration to a campus of over 19,000 students and hundreds of employees so that its culture is vibrant and welcoming to the public it serves. Dr. Wihbey ensures the quality and relevance of the campus’ academic programs, oversees campus operational activities, and leads through encouraging ideas and strong relationships. She offers a progressive academic vision and leadership that maintains a highly collaborative, student-centered environment.

Dr. Wihbey believes in, and enjoys community service and is actively involved in the PGA Corridor Association Board of Directors as past president, the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Board of Directors, and the North Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Steering Council. She has served on the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Board of Directors for five years, the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center Governing Board, the Florida Association of Colleges, and the recent past chairman of the board for the Max Fisher Boys and Girls Club of Riviera Beach. She also participates in the Forum Club and in numerous community events and activities. It would be unusual to not see her at a local event that is raising money or awareness for education, health or general support of the community. Dr. Wihbey believes in and supports the vision that partnerships and alliances help everyone. She sees business and community connections as essential to college and student success. She is able to bring out the best in others and works tirelessly in the college and community to be of service, open doors, and offer hope and opportunity through education for those seeking a better quality of life.

Dr. Wihbey has received Executive Women of the Palm Beaches’ 2017 Women In Leadership Award (WILA). In 2016, she received the Women’s Chamber of Commerce 2016 Giraffe Award, received the Cancer Alliance's 2015 Magnificent Leader, the North Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Community Leader of the Year, and the Jupiter Magazine's Impact Player. She was recently honored by the City of Palm Beach Gardens with a Proclamation of Honor for her community service. She has also received the University of Connecticut's Outstanding Higher Education Professional Award, recognized as a Power Woman Leader from Florida Weekly, and has been recognized by both the New England College Board and the Chair Academy with Exemplary Leader awards. Dr. Wihbey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairfield University and a Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in Educational Psychology.