Campus News

Q&A with Josh Whitson

October 19, 2017

Communications Staff

Man in plaid shirt playing bagpipe in a leafy setting
Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97

 “Q&A with…” is a series dedicated to introducing staff members to the Oberlin community. We are highlighting one staff member each week. Have someone you'd like to nominate for a Q&A? Please get in touch.

At times you may hear Josh Whitson, assistant dean of students and director of the International Student Resource Center, playing his bagpipe in Tappan Square. He began playing in 2004 and was awarded "Ohio's Most Promising Young Piper" at the 2006 Ohio Scottish Games. Whitson focuses primarily on solo and band competition and currently plays with the Great Lakes Pipe Band.

Get to know more about Whitson in this Q&A.

Describe your role in six words.
International educator, F-1 immigration specialist.

Favorite spot on campus?
Tappan Square. It’s the perfect spot to play the bagpipe during lunch.

Favorite place on earth?
Other than Cleveland, I'd go with Beijing. The food. The architecture. The people. Did I mention the food?

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Genre fiction. There’s nothing like arguing the merits and flaws of including a Star Wars novel in the universe's canon.

Favorite thing to eat?
Dumplings! Jiaozi. Xiaolongbao. Shumai.

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