Walker named Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences
February 28, 2012
CHARLESTON, SC February 28, 2012 – Dr. Rachel Walker, associate professor of psychology at Charleston Southern University, was named Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences this week.
Walker has served as interim in that position since last fall. “We are excited and pleased that Dr. Walker has accepted the position of chair of the Behavioral Science Department,” said Dr. Skip Martin, vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Walker not only is an outstanding professor, but has great rapport with both colleagues and students. Her leadership skills and commitment to faith integration will help the Department of Behavioral Science to continue to grow in both quantity and quality.”
With the help of her mentor Dr. David Naylor, professor of sociology, Walker fell right into place with her responsibilities as Chair. She still teaches but has fewer classes.
“I like the administrative tasks and duties, and I also really enjoy teaching,” she said. God has given me the opportunity to express those gifts in two different ways; so it’s really the best of both worlds.”
Walker has BS and MS degrees in marine biology and a PhD in experimental psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. As she advanced in her education, her interests began to shift toward teaching and research.
This year she has three students working with her on research projects – all in the area of social networks. “I’m really surprised that I went from studying dolphins to studying people’s use of technology,” Walker laughed. It’s because my own interests have shifted …I wanted to know more about it.”
It’s that kind of creative interest that motivates Walker.
It’s also that kind of dedication to teaching and learning that caught the attention of South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities as they awarded her the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities 2011 Excellence in Teaching Award. And in March she and her husband will attend the Governor’s Professor of the Year Luncheon.
For Walker it’s all about the students. “Our desired outcome is to have a positive work environment where we can serve our students. And that’s really what our job is,” she said.
Part of that job is for the Behavioral Science department is to provide opportunities for students to be involved in Study Abroad trips and mission trips such as Guatemala, India and Romania. The benefit of such trips opens new avenues in helping students find their passion. This May a group of students is headed to Nepal.
Walker understands the changes and shifts that are part of growing and knows these are the things that help direct a student’s course. “Setting out from my undergraduate experience, I was going to be a field biologist working with marine animals. Opportunities offered in teaching are how I discovered my true passion. This is what I enjoy,” Walker smiles.
