The President’s Porch: A Conversation with Keola Whittaker, Student Body President
For this month’s President’s Porch conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Keola, Starr King’s Student Body President. Imagine us on a sunlit porch with a cup of tea in hand, reflecting on leadership, community, and the call to ministry. What follows is an inspiring glimpse into Keola’s journey and vision for the Starr King community.
What led you to Starr King School for the Ministry?
“I was drawn to Starr King because of its commitment to justice and its multi-faith vision of community,” Keola shared. “Coming from Hawai‘i, I wanted a place that honors diversity not just as a value but as a spiritual practice.”
Keola described how Starr King’s openness to different traditions—Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and beyond—invited a deep sense of curiosity and respect. “The school’s emphasis on educating to counter oppressions resonated with my calling to build bridges across cultures and beliefs,” he said. “There are few seminaries where you can learn across so many faiths while cultivating compassion and understanding.”
How did your experience at Starr King inspire you to run for Student Body President?
“Starr King’s student government has been in transition since we became fully virtual,” Keola explained. “I saw an opportunity to collaborate with my peers to create a supportive structure that meets this new moment.”
He spoke about the challenges of connecting in an online environment: “We miss those small but meaningful interactions that happen over shared meals or hallway conversations. Students were longing for connection, and I wanted to help make that happen.”
Keola described his role as a natural extension of his ministry: “I aspire to create spaces where all people can be seen, heard, and valued. Starr King’s faculty model collaboration and care in everything they do, and I’ve tried to bring that same spirit to the Student Body.”
What leadership style or approach do you bring to the role?
“In short, my leadership style is relational and collaborative,” Keola said. “My background as an attorney taught me to navigate complex systems, while Starr King has taught me to lead with humility, heart, and respect for diversity.”
He views leadership as a form of ministry: “It’s grounded in trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to collective growth.”
What are some of the top needs of the Student Body, and how are you addressing them?
Keola described the student body as “geographically, culturally, and theologically diverse,” noting that one of the greatest needs is building connection across that diversity. “We’ve focused on initiatives that strengthen communication and support—expanding professional development grants, promoting wellness and mutual care, and organizing events that extend classroom learning,” he said.
One recent highlight: a November 5 forum featuring progressive ministers with dynamic social media ministries. “We want to help students explore new forms of spiritual leadership in a digital world.”
He added, “We’ve also set aside funds to help students gather in person, including travel grants for Symposium and graduation.”
Just as importantly, Keola wants students to feel heard during times of transition: “Change without listening can lead to distrust and disconnection. My hope is that student government continues to model transparency and collaboration so every student feels part of Starr King’s evolving story.”
How has this leadership role helped you grow toward your future ministry or chaplaincy?
“Serving as Student Body President has been a living classroom in leadership and pastoral presence,” Keola reflected. “I’ve learned to hold space for differing opinions and stay grounded in my values during challenging conversations.”
He described how working with a diverse student body deepened his ability to communicate across differences. “Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about helping others thrive in an increasingly disconnected world. This experience has reaffirmed that transformation happens when people feel heard and valued.”
What’s next after graduation?
After graduation, Keola plans to continue his path toward Unitarian Universalist ordination, deepening his work at the intersection of spirituality, justice, and culture.
“Starr King shaped how I understand ministry,” he said. “Ministry is more than what’s said on Sunday—it’s sitting with people in hard times, pushing for justice and equality, and serving those searching for meaning outside traditional frameworks. Whether I serve a congregation or create a more innovative form of ministry, I want to reflect the justice-centered and open-hearted spirit that Starr King embodies.”
Closing Reflections
As our conversation ended, I was reminded that leadership, at its best, is a form of spiritual practice. Keola’s words reflect the heart of Starr King’s mission: nurturing leaders who embody love, courage, and justice in all that they do.
— Dr. Stephanie Krusemark, President