The Delta State University College of Education, through the Dean’s Initiative for Excellence, has established the Eloise Stratton Walker Faculty Development Scholarship honoring Walker’s legacy of excellence in teaching. Walker served as an associate professor and coordinator of the Undergraduate Elementary Education Program from 1970 – 1993. Dr. Leslie Griffin, dean of the College of Education stated, “Eloise Walker set the bar for high standards and exemplary teaching while a member of the elementary education faculty. This scholarship, initiated by former students and friends of Mrs. Walker, will allow faculty to continue to develop their professional skills and maintain this level of excellence as they serve the program. It is important to our faculty and the educational community, as well as to alumni and all stakeholders, that this standard of excellence be maintained.”
Through the scholarship, elementary education faculty will be able 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.
“Delta State has a proud history of excellent teacher education programs,” said Walker. “I am honored to have my name associated with the initiative to secure much needed funding to assist students and faculty in sustaining that proud history.”
Assistant Professor of Elementary Education Dr. Dianne Thomas added, “Eloise Walker has long been the standard of excellence in teaching I set for myself. As a teacher candidate in her undergraduate classroom, I quickly realized that she exhibited the qualities of a superb educator both in teaching and in caring for students. Years later while working on my specialist degree with a grant through the Mississippi Fellowship Program, I was fortunate to encounter Eloise again as the grant coordinator. As she visited in my elementary classroom and worked with my mentor and me, she continued to be the epitome of professionalism. It was an honor to work with Eloise Walker in all facets of my college career because I saw professionalism, excellence in teaching, and strong standards exhibited in every interaction with her.”
Alumni and friends who wish to support the scholarship may do so by contacting Dr. Leslie Griffin at 662-846-4400 or lgriffin@deltastate.edu. A reception honoring Walker and formally announcing the scholarship will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 17, in the Leroy Morganti Atrium in Kent Wyatt Hall on the campus. Alumni and friends are cordially invited to attend.
