College is a time for growth and opportunity. That growth is not limited to the students on campus. Vice President Pam Walker is a believer in growth not only for students and faculty, but for herself as well.
On Sept. 27, The Independent, a publication in Livermore, Calif., reported that Walker was a finalist for the position of president at the local community college, Las Positas College.
“For me, doing searches is about redefining who I am and can I articulate what I’ve been doing and how I’ve done,” Walker said in an interview with The Current. “Each opportunity just gives you a chance to redefine yourself and I’m always pleased to just get into the mix.”
Walker started her time at American River College about 11 years ago as the dean of science and allied health and is currently the vice president of student services. She started her career in physical education and worked at Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif. as dean of physical education and athletics, as well as dean of admissions and records.
“I think every one of us needs to push ourselves,” Walker said of her motivation.
The Independent reported that “Walker’s introduction to the California Community Colleges began as an Associate Director for the Commission on Athletics, overseeing all collegiate athletics at community colleges throughout the state.”
At ARC Walker oversees many of the services that students use during their time at the college. Everything from counseling and student government to the Dusty Baker Center and veterans services report through her department.
“We stay very busy with things not necessarily in the classroom,” Walker said.
One such person who reports to Walker is Dean of Student Services Manuel Perez.
“I have only had the pleasure of knowing Pam in her capacity as Vice President of Student Services since I started working at American River College in 2009,” Perez wrote in an email to The Current. “I support Pam in her endeavors much the same way she has always been very supportive of all of her team members.”
Walker’s candidacy for the Las Positas presidency raises questions about her interest in the same position at ARC. When asked she told The Current, “we’re not suppose to say anything if after a first round, but I would feel very good to be in a second round.”
No matter where Walker’s plans take her, members of her team are very supportive of her growth.
“Pam loves to connect with people and hear their stories,” Perez wrote. “She really does lend great value and importance to empowering people to use their own voice in leadership. I support Pam in her endeavors much the same way she has always been very supportive of all of her team members.”
