Clemmie Whatley, Ph.D.

M.S. Applied Mathematics 1973

2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

School of Mathematics 

Georgia Tech’s first African American female graduate, Clemmie Whatley received a B.A. in mathematics from Clark College, an M.S. in applied mathematics from Georgia Tech, an Ed.S. in mathematics education and leadership from University of West Georgia, and a Ph.D. in educational studies from Emory University.

Whatley worked in corporate management for more than 22 years, taught high school mathematics and instructed mathematics education at the university level, including serving as an associate professor at Mercer University. She is the founder of Educational Dynamix, a non-profit educational organization, working in consulting, evaluation, and professional development for educators at all levels. Educational Dynamix developed Musical Mathematics ®, a program that integrates music and mathematics to engage learning for students in grade K - 8.

Whatley is also the author of several books. She co-authored The Segregated Georgia School for the Deaf: 1882–1975 and most recently published The Chubbs: A Free Black Family’s Journey from the Antebellum Era to the Mid-1900s. She also produced a documentary titled Faith and Ministries of Chubbtown Families.

She has been married to Melvin for more than 55 years. Both of their children, Tamara and Mel (Mateja), are Tech alumni. She has three grandchildren, Trinity, Ariana, and Noah.

What does Georgia Tech mean to you?

Georgia Tech helped me to build my identity. I learned through all the problems in life that I could make it with my faith and tenacity. Being one of the first is not always easy but persistency pays off. Today, I appreciate going through the experience because I know it helped to build character.