Dr Alice Whitley MBE (6 February 1913 – 15 August 1990)[1][2] was an Australian chemist and educator.
Whitley focused on the science education of women and was for 50 years a faculty member at her alma mater Methodist Ladies' College (now known as the MLC School).
From 1952 to 1954, Whitley attended the University of London where she earned a PhD for her thesis in chemistry before returning to MLC as Head of Science and Deputy Headmistress from 1955 to 1959.
At Speech Night in 1969 was quoted as lamenting the "lackadaisical attitude of a permissive society which places too much importance on examination results and not enough on the continuing process of learning" and stressed her commitment to the sports program.
[7] The plant molecular biologist Elizabeth Dennis, an MLC Old Girl, said at the time of her death that Whitley had been an inspiring high school chemistry teacher.