Former San Jose State president to lead ACT

ACT has named Jon Whitmore, the president of San Jose State University, as its new chief executive officer.

Whitmore, 65, will take over duties on Sept. 1, filling duties now performed by chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Ferguson following his retirement in August.

ACTs announced the appointment Thursday.

ACT Board Lead Director Mark Musick said ACT wanted a leader “with notable executive experience and an exemplary track record of success.”"

“ We're confident that he will provide outstanding leadership to expand ACT's role in helping shape state and national education and workforce policy and in helping more people achieve education and workplace success,” Musick said.

San Jose State University is a major research university located in the technology hub of Silicon Valley.

Previously, Whitmore served as president of Texas Tech University and as provost at the University of Iowa from 1996 through 2003.

Whitmore was selected after a nationwide search by ACT's Board of Directors, assisted by the Spencer Stuart executive search firm.

ACT offers a broad array of assessment, information and program management solutions for education and workforce development. It employs more than 1,500 worldwide, many of them at its headquarters in Iowa City.

Whitmore said he looks forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues in Iowa City.