The Delta State University College of Education, through the Dean’s Initiative for Excellence, formally announced the establishment of the Eloise Stratton Walker Faculty Development Scholarship during a reception on Friday, June 17, in the Leroy E. Morganti Atrium of Kent Wyatt Hall on campus. The scholarship, initiated by former students and friends, honors Walker’s Legacy of excellence in teaching, and will provide funding to allow elementary education faculty to attend conferences and classes or engage in other professional development opportunities critical to staying abreast of current research related to teaching and the education field.
Walker served as an associate professor and coordinator of the undergraduate elementary education program at Delta State from 1970 – 1993.
Current and retired university administrators, faculty, and former students expressed their congratulations and gratitude to Walker for her positive influence on their lives. Walker was praised for her exemplary teaching and communication skills, compassion for her students, and her legendary cooking.
“Eloise Walker was, and is my role model,” said Dr. Patricia Anderson, Delta State graduate, and professor of curriculum and instruction at East Carolina University. “Her guidance and support helped me find a path of learning to teach and later learning to teach others to teach. It’s an honor to have been her student and to have carried a part of Eloise Walker forward in my career.”
Delta State Dean of the College of Education Dr. Leslie Griffin and Dean Emeritus Dr. E. E. “Butch” Caston presented Walker with a gift honoring the occasion and unveiled the plaque that will hang in Ewing Hall honoring recipients of the annual scholarship.
Walker expressed her sincere gratitude in acceptance. “All of you here know that I have never been speechless, but this reception has left me just that,” she said. “I thank each of you for your continued support and your presence here today. I am truly honored and humbled to have my name associated with this scholarship.”
