Featured Falcons: Dr. Jeff Walker

What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Dr. Jeff Walker, director of the Honors Program and assistant professor of communication studies.

Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I was born in Montgomery and currently live in Montevallo — just a couple of blocks away from campus!

If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
I earned my B.S. in Communication Studies and History from UM, then went on to earn my M.A. and Ph.D. in Communication from The University of Alabama.

How long have you worked here? 
I just started my seventh year back at UM!

Did you hold any previous positions here? If so, what are they?
As an undergrad, I was a student worker in the Provost’s Office and at the campus bookstore. As a grad student, I was an adjunct professor for a semester.

What brought you to Montevallo, and what keeps you here?
My parents, Tom and Betty Walker, were students at Montevallo in the 70s. As I grew up, they brought me, my brother and sister to campus for College Night, concerts, plays, basketball games and other events. I fell in love with this place, its traditions and the wonderful people that call it home.

Why is a liberal arts education important in today’s world?
Today’s world is rapidly changing. The jobs that are available today aren’t guaranteed to exist four years from now. Montevallo’s broad-based education in the arts, sciences and humanities helps prepare students — not just for one job — but for a variety of career paths.

How does working at a liberal arts institution shape how you approach your role?
In the Honors Program, we get to offer courses on everything from Star Trek and Taylor Swift to New Orleans literature and the mathematics of chess. I love being able to provide students with a variety of options that are both meaningful and fun.

Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
Montevallo is beautiful and so much fun in the snow! One of my favorite experiences growing up was being on campus during a snow storm. I remember sliding down hills on cafeteria trays and making snowmen in front of Reynolds. If any students have the chance to be on campus when it snows, it is a magical experience!

What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
I’m proud of my work writing “College Night: A Centennial Celebration,” a coffee table book chronicling the more than 100-year history of the tradition. This book took a lot of work, but was a joy to put together.

Are you currently working on or have you recently completed any interesting projects?
I just published a book chapter on Monroeville’s annual production of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in the book “Casting the Art of Rhetoric with Theater and Drama: Taking Center Stage.” That was a lot of fun!

Complete this phrase: Montevallo Means More _______.
Opportunities. What is great about UM’s small, liberal arts experience is that students can get involved with multiple activities and interests. A biology major can write for “The Alabamian.” A music major can be in the Montevallo Organization of Gaming. A history major can be College Night leader. At larger universities, you may just have one place on campus where you’re involved — but at Montevallo, the opportunities are endless.

How does your role contribute to the “more” students get at Montevallo?
In the Honors Program, I try to create opportunities for students to get involved both inside and outside of the classroom. Through unique classes, field trips, and experiential learning opportunities, I want students to have the best experience possible.