Member Profile By James Godwin, Jr.
August 25, 2006
Albert L. Walker
In
the year 2002 Albert L. Walker gave up his title of Vice Chancellor for Academic
Affairs at Elizabeth City State University, and came to our city to assume the
presidency of Bluefield State College. He found a troubled situation, but his
handling of the BSC problems has been outstanding.
His curriculum vitae depicts continual career progress through the years including his receiving his Ed. D. from Indian University. Bluefield State College can take pride in the accomplishments of its president. He is well equipped to lead the school into the future.
He does need a name change, however. Let’s drop the “Al” and substitute “Sinbad the Sailor.” This guy has his own navy and is quite the nautical one. His flagship is a 26 foot cruiser that provides sleeping and dinning facilities for six adults. If he’s off for a day cruise, he can take fourteen friends! Sinbad is more than just a sailor. He’s a creative swabbie. He docks his flagship at the Mercer County Airport! Not a typo! It’s a fact. The airport was short on planes and had spare space, so Sinbad rented a “slip” close to home for much less than he would pay at a lake or harbor. Also, he avoids the expense and effort of winterizing his craft plus he can work on his flagship all winter long in a warm protected place. Even though Sinbad is the captain, his wife, Dr. Kulwinder Walker, makes a spectacular executive officer. She is also the university psychologist at Elizabeth City State University.
When Al was a youngster his army father gave him some good advice. He encouraged Al to take some high school courses in carpentry, plumbing and auto repair. The skills Al acquired have made him almost self sufficient. As many know, he purchased the Fred Gilbert home. He is now busy doing the remodeling of his new digs. He continues to live in the Bluefield State residence, but has his very own home just in case he gets fired or wants to retire early (his comments, not mine). He held out both hands to prove he has yet to cut off a finger with his circular saw. He doesn’t plan to work as a handyman, but he’s a good guy and just might help you out in a pinch.
Al is not a stranger to Rotary. Some years back he belonged to the Rotary Club of Jefferson City, Missouri. Several years ago Rotarian Norris Kantor proposed him for membership in our club, and he joined a short time later.
Rotarian Al says the thing he likes best about Rotary is the networking it has helped him establish with local community leaders. We all know that BSC has been through some rough times recently. Al credits a number of our club members with helping during the school’s struggles. He said in the future he would love to see our club stand up and take the lead in establishing a new community center complex replete with convention facilities and the like.
Al has great plans for BSC. He wants the school to be able to offer more in the graduate studies field. Currently the school offers a masters degree in nursing. This is in conjunction with Marshall University. Bluefield State College will continue to progress under the guidance of Al Walker. Perhaps we should put his expertise and enthusiasm to work for Rotary. I believe he is willing.
Dr. Albert L. Walker, we are glad you are the president of Bluefield State College and that you are a member of the Rotary Club of Bluefield, West Virginia.