EdD student Stephen Walker earns DEI Award from Pennsylvania Higher Education System

Walker is credited for efforts to promote a sense of belonging among students at Kutztown University

Stephen Walker, a higher education doctoral student at Pitt Education, was honored with the 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Keepers of the Flame Award by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) during the system’s summit in October.

Walker was recognized for his work as academic coach in the TRIO Student Support Services program at Kutztown University. His approach on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) practices has increased student engagement and faculty collaboration throughout his seven years in the role. 

While he usually shies away from attention, Walker said the award is validating.

“It is nice to know that I am making an impact in a variety of ways with the people I work with,” he said, adding that his office door was “covered in kind messages from students” congratulating him on the award.

Walker, who is advised at Pitt Education by Renée and Richard Goldman Dean Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, said transparency is at the core of his approach to implementing DEIB on campus.

 “I believe that  being open, honest, and welcoming as an individual is what helps push this on a larger scale. How I communicate and embrace people, along with making sure my fellow introverts are seen and heard in an intentional way, is a big part of my approach”

Walker said his Doctor of Education courses at Pitt Education have changed his perspective.

“My other degrees are in business and working previously in sales allowed me to see things in that context along with customer service,” said Walker.“But working through the EdD program and the classmates I connected with helped me see things differently on how to engage with various stakeholders.”