WALKERDONALD-1993

Interview with Donald Walker, 1993

 

1993-04-20

 

Interviewer: Milligan, Michael

Donald E. Walker was born on July 13, 1921, in Springfield, Mo. He received his bachelor's degree in religion from the University of Southern California in 1943, a master of theology degree from USC in 1947, and a PhD in sociology in 1954 from Stanford University. His career path intersected with San Diego State University several times, first as an instructor of sociology beginning in 1949, then again two decades later as the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and, eventually Acting President of San Diego State University for the years 1971-1972, succeeding Malcom A. Love.

While Acting President at SDSU, Walker's calm demeanor was credited for helping to quiet student protests on campus and keep them from getting out of hand. His reputation as a consensus-builder paved the way for his next position, President of Southeastern Massachusetts University (now the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth) in 1972. Walker's career also included such highlights as President of Idaho State College, and Chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in El Cajon, CA. His best-selling textbook, The Effective Administrator: A Practical Approach to Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, and Campus Leadership, published in 1981, was a favorite among university administrators.

Doctor Walker retired in 1992 and died on August 12, 2011.

Interviews; Oral Histories; Donald E. Walker; Michael Milligan; Walter Hepner; John and Jane Adams MiniGrant; Sociologists; Kenneth E. Barnhart

 

 

© San Diego State University. All rights reserved.

 

 

English

 

 

00:55:24

Yes

 

 

 

Audio

MP3

50.72 MB