News Article

Edison College Trustees Honor Dr. Walker

Jun 30, 2008

Edison College District President Kenneth P. Walker was honored by the College's District Board of Trustees at the June 24, 2008 meeting with a resolution naming him Edison College's Man of the Decade. The tribute was bestowed through a resolution which cited Walker's "vision and leadership for Edison College's extraordinary accomplishments in fulfillment of the College's Decade of Promise strategic plan," a plan which envisioned accreditation as a bachelor's degree-granting college.

"They asked me to leave the board room during the meeting. I wasn't certain that they were going to invite me back," Walker joked.

The resolution was adopted by the Trustees at the board's final meeting of the 2007-08 academic year, a year in which the College celebrated its inaugural baccalaureate commencement and was named a four-year Florida State College.

The board recognized Walker's tireless efforts since the mid-1990s in championing the idea of allowing community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees as a way to increase geographic, financial and academic success for those who wish to better their lives through education. The resolution noted Walker's "extraordinary leadership and exceptional personal commitment" to reaching this goal, and his staunch support of retaining the college's open-door mission.

"Our associate degree graduates were telling me they didn't want to leave Edison, and that they wished they could stay here to earn their bachelor's degrees," said Walker. A formal survey later indicated that nearly 90% of respondents said they would be interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree at Edison if the opportunity was presented.

"I am humbled by the tribute," said Walker. "But the best part is knowing there are even greater things ahead for Edison College."

Last Updated: June 30, 2008