Dr. Janice Walker

Lifetime Achievement in STEM

Dr. Janice Walker is a respected higher education leader and advocate whose career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to academic excellence, student success, and the advancement of equity in education. Most recently, Dr. Walker served as the Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at Xavier University, where she led initiatives to create a more welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

Prior to her role in diversity leadership, Dr. Walker held numerous academic and administrative positions at Xavier, including Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. In this capacity, she oversaw academic programming, faculty development, and student engagement for one of the university’s largest and most diverse colleges. Her leadership was instrumental in strengthening interdisciplinary learning opportunities and ensuring students were prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

A dedicated scholar and practitioner, Dr. Walker’s work has focused on building pathways for underrepresented students to thrive in higher education. She has developed mentoring and support programs that not only expand access but also emphasize belonging and long-term success. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders—students, faculty, administrators, and community leaders—to advance meaningful change.

Dr. Walker has also represented Xavier University in regional and national conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her perspective as both an academic leader and advocate has made her a sought-after speaker, consultant, and collaborator in the fields of higher education leadership, cultural competency, and organizational transformation.

Dr. Walker earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Tuskegee University, She then pursued graduate studies at the prestigious University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, where she completed both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Mathematics, earning her doctorate in 1982. Her dissertation, titled “Closure and Expansions in Series of Complex Exponentials,” was advised by Douglas Grassel Dickson

At the heart of her work is a belief that education is not only about knowledge, but also about cultivating communities of care, respect, and justice. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the community, Dr. Walker continues to champion the values of integrity, service, and empowerment.