Kathryn Whitener

Kathryn Whitener is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Management Department at the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina. Her roles include teaching advanced entrepreneurship courses, overseeing student consulting projects for local entrepreneurs, and developing curricula emphasizing experiential learning. She holds a PhD in Organization & Management (Capella University, 2014), an MA in English (Winthrop University, 2004), and a BA in English (Clemson University, 1999).

Her research focuses on entrepreneurship ecosystems, small business resource mapping, and organizational change. Notable projects include leading a team to create a South Carolina entrepreneur resource database and contributing to grant applications securing $200,000 in seed funding. Her literary work explores themes of realism and human experience, earning awards like the Carrie McCray Award for Short Fiction.

Whitener has extensive industry experience, including roles as a Business Analyst and Senior Corporate Trainer at SYNNEX Corporation, and as founder of Clemson Road Consulting. She actively engages with professional communities through speaking engagements (e.g., Junior Achievement, South Carolina Humanities Council) and serves on multiple boards, including the Women’s Business Center of South Carolina.