USCA welcomes new School of Education associate dean focused on student success

USCA has welcomed Dr. Juan Walker as the new associate dean of the School of Education. Walker officially began the role on July 1, bringing more than 20 years of experience in teaching, educational leadership and teacher preparation. 

As associate dean, Walker will provide strategic leadership for curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and field placement initiatives while working closely with program coordinators to strengthen the school's academic programs. He will also help guide continuous improvement efforts to ensure programs meet national, state and University of South Carolina system standards. 

Before joining USCA, Walker served as an associate professor of education and interim chair of the Department of Teaching and Leading in Augusta University's College of Education and Human Development, where he had been a faculty member since 2013. 

"Dr. Walker brings a unique combination of academic leadership, student advocacy, and operational experience that makes him an outstanding fit for the associate dean role," said Dr. David Buckman, dean of the School of Education. "I look forward to his leadership in strengthening student success initiatives, supporting faculty and academic programs, coordinating curriculum and accreditation efforts, and helping expand partnerships that enhance opportunities for our students." 

Throughout his career, Walker has led undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs, secured more than $70,000 in competitive grant funding, authored numerous scholarly publications and a textbook, and presented research at regional, national and international conferences. 

For Walker, accepting the position was both a professional and personal decision. 

"When Dr. Buckman offered me the position, my family was very supportive," Walker said. "I went for a walk that afternoon, and 'You Get What You Give' by New Radicals came on my Pandora station. At that moment, I felt like this was the right move. I always encourage my students to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things, and this opportunity felt right to me." 

Walker believes his background in applied research and data-informed decision-making will help advance USCA's mission while strengthening the School of Education's impact across the region. 

"As someone whose career began in South Carolina and who is dedicated to serving the state's educational communities, I am well-positioned to contribute to USCA's mission of providing a high-quality education and preparing future teachers for meaningful careers," he said. 

One of Walker's first priorities is getting to know the campus community and ensuring students feel supported throughout their academic journey. 

"Our students are our best ambassadors for recruitment," Walker said. "Making sure they feel supported and heard is incredibly important to me." 

Walker earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Social Studies Education from The Citadel before completing his Ph.D. in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, with minors in Educational Foundations and Social Studies, at the University of Alabama. 

Outside of higher education, Walker enjoys gardening, reading Marvel comics, observing wildlife, and spending time with his wife and three children. 

"I am excited to return to South Carolina, where I began my teaching career," Walker said. "I'm looking forward to this new adventure and can't wait to begin this next chapter." 

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