Dr. Chuck Walker was a part of the Exercise Science Department for 31 years. He came to Fort Lewis College after receiving his doctorate degree from the University of Utah in 1972. He obtained his bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Nevada-Reno in 1960 and 1964.
He retired in the summer of 2003 from the Exercise Science Department but spent the following year in a transitional role.
For the 31 years, Walker was active on campus and in the community. He chaired the Exercise Science Department, helped develop eight new courses for the exercise science major, served as advisor to the Exercise Science Club, taught Fort Lewis College students about sports and exercise in Europe, and served as chair for the Office of Admission, academic standards and library committees.
In 2000, Walker was awarded the Alice Admire Outstanding Teaching Award, which is presented to the most outstanding professor at Fort Lewis College.
"As a leader in the classroom, we have to have a sense of what our students are capable of accomplishing, then we have to help them pull that latent talent out of themselves. One of the most rewarding aspects about being an educator is watching students begin to pull their educational experiences together and begin realizing their goals," said Walker.
Athletically, Walker was the men's basketball coach for 11 years (1972-84), accumulating a career record of 146-144 (.503). He also served as the head coach for men's and women's cross country and men's and women's tennis.
His community contributions include acting as the deacon at the church, First Baptist Church. He has been a member of the Durango School District 9-R board and a captain of the Army Reserve.
