JEFFERSON CITY – Tenn. – A school with a long line of coaches who have guided students to success on the field of competition is adding a coach to guide students and student athletes to success in the classroom.
Carson-Newman has announced the hiring of Gloria Walker as an academic success coach. Walker will work closely with provost Kina Mallard, athletic director Allen Morgan and the Life Directions Center to ensure the success of student athletes in the classroom.
"Our primary objective at Carson-Newman is to see that all of our students graduate and become contributing members in our society," Morgan said. "The same is true for our athletes. We expect excellence from our student athletes both in the classroom and in their respective sports.
"Gloria Walker will help ensure that we are doing so in the classroom. Although we are very proud of our students' academic success in general, there are always areas for improvement. She'll help maximize our students' intellectual potential."
A native of Florida, Walker graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor of science in education with an emphasis in health, physical education, recreation and dance. She played collegiate basketball and volleyball at the University of North Alabama.
"Jesus Christ is Lord of my life," Walker said. "My passion is to do all I can to further His Kingdom. My purpose is to share Him as often as I can with as many as I can. My goal is to reach student-athletes and to let them know that, 'You CAN do this!'
"What better place for my passion, my purpose and my goal to all collide than Carson-Newman College? I am humbled yet honored to be a part of the Carson-Newman family. As promised in Jeremiah 29:11, God has a plan...plans for hope and a future. I'm so thankful that Carson-Newman College is a part of His plan for me."
Walker has taught physical education and wellness for 13 years and coached high school girls basketball for four years.
She has raised three children, all of whom have participated or are participating in collegiate athletics.
Her son Darrion is a cheer and dance coach in Memphis, Tenn. Chris is a former defensive end for the University of Tennessee, while Briana is a senior psychology major and basketball player at Georgia Southwestern State University.
Walker has offices in the Baker Building in the Life Directions Center and in the Ken Sparks Athletic Complex. Students can contact her by email at gwalker@cn.edu.
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