Phyllis J. Walker

Dr. Phyllis J. Walker, an advocate for operational effectiveness, graduated from Florida State University in 1988 with her Ph.D. in Audiology. Walker is passionate about data-based decision-making, ongoing improvement through engaging the assessment process, and the use of accreditation standards to drive program quality. 

Following a 2‑year hiatus in Tokyo, Japan after receiving her doctorate degree, Walker returned to the U.S. and embarked on her career as an Audiologist. She’s served as a Clinical Audiologist for the Louisiana Health Department, a Professor of Audiology and Clinical Supervisor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and as a Management Review Specialist for Children’s Medical Services with the State of Florida. Her career path eventually, however, made a turn toward higher education administration where she has served for over 20 years. 

Walker’s career journey has allowed her to be immersed in the day-to-day activities of small and large institutions of higher education, in addition to secondary educational public and private sectors. She has served as a Dean for General Studies and Academic Support Services, Accreditation Coordinator and Liaison, Secondary Private School Principal, and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. While serving in these positions she gained insight into the importance and effectiveness of strategic planning, engaging assessment and operating according to established standards, instead of ​“doing things willy-nilly”. Dr. Walker is currently the Associate Dean for the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at Florida A&M University where she serves in the areas of program quality, strategic planning, assessment, and specialized accreditation.