He is known for his recruitment of numerous SHSU graduates for employment at Dow Chemical and for his mentoring support during their careers. Whitlock's personal career has been impressive, working first in Dow's Texas Operations, transferring in 1981 to Dow's global headquarters Michigan, transferring in 1984 to Dow Europe and serving as the controller for Dow in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and returning to the U. S. in 1989. In 1992 he was named Controller and Information Systems Manager for Continental Operations, in 1993 he was named North American Controller for Dow and a member of the North American Operating Board, and in 1995 a vice president for Dow North America. He was named to his present position in 1996. Whitlock has served as a College of Business Administration advisory board member, established the W. O. "Bud" Whitlock Endowment, served as a member of the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business review team, and has numerous community activities including serving as treasurer for the board of directors of the Midland, Mich., Community Cancer Service. Whitlock and his wife, Pamela, have two children. She earned her bachelor of arts in teaching degree from SHSU in 1972.