Jalen D. Whittleton is a native of Columbia, South Carolina and an alumni of Irmo High School. He knew at a tender age; he was called to the ministry. During his years of growing and maturing, he realized God had a greater work for him to do.

Whittleton is an ordained minister of the gospel. After hard work and dedication, he finished Seminary with a degree in Christian Leadership, August 20, 2011, and on December 20, 2014, he earned a Masters in Theology. On December 15, 2018, Whittleton received an Honorary Degree of Divinity and was appointed as Vice Chancellor for the School of the Great Commission Theological Seminary. He was consecrated to the bishopric on April 30, 2016.

In addition to his ministry calling to preach and pastor, Jalen has added mentor and actor to his growing brand. He has been and continues to be a mentor to young men, taking on the role of a father figure in many of their lives. This and his amazing testimony was featured in a Time Magazine article and short film in March 2020. Whittleton was also a part of the cast in Vyce Moses Johnson’s (VMJ) original stage productions, Shattered, Covered, Restored in 2017 and Functional Secrets in 2018 as well as a cameo role in her latest production, Wooden Pews & Soft Peppermints.

Whittleton is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. He serves in the Columbia chapter of the NAACP and is the former Vice President of the Theta Alpha Kappa, Incorporated, Religious Fraternity at Benedict College. His motto is, "I am what I am by the grace of God."