David Whitley/Karen Whitley

In June of 1990 as a junior in the Electrical Engineering program at NC State University, David Whitley unexpectedly lost his father to a heart attack while attending his summer session of school. What was once a struggle with only differential equations and Laplace transformations, became a new struggle with real life complexities like whether or not to finish college and if so, how to afford this new found financial situation of paying for college. Staying true to the advice from his father that often –sometimes you have to play the hand youêre dealt and make the best of the situation”, David continued his education at NC State. He and Karen married later that same year in 1990, with Karen working two jobs while David finished his senior year. David finished his BS degree in Electrical Engineering graduating Cum Laude in the Summer of 1992. Through hard work, dedication, and embracement of a continual learning mindset, David achieved success in the software industry, where he helps software companies build products for global industries and markets. As a proud alum of NC State, the simple words –Think and Do” are the perfect statement describing both Davidês experience at State, as well as summarizing his career accomplishments. The ability to think and learn were the key components that NC State strengthened and reinforced in him.