Dr. Tanya Walker was appointed interim dean of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) while continuing to serve as UAPB director of academic advancement programs at Pine Bluff University.
Dr. Walker recently served as the Assistant Director of Student Success and the Retention Coordinator for the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success. Dr. Walker’s appointment was effective February 2025 with the retirement of the previous University College Dean, Dr. Janice Coleman.
The Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Bruce McGowan highlighted Dr. Walker’s proven engagement, energy, and interaction with administrators, faculty, and students as strengths she brings to University College. He anticipates her leadership will elevate the unit. Dr. Walker’s bio underscores her strategic leadership in academic and student affairs, particularly in the areas of student success, career preparation, and retention.
Her exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to motivate and teach in an academic and student-involvement environment are also noted. Above all, her unwavering commitment to academic success and assisting students in reaching their personal and academic goals is a defining feature of her work.
“I am excited for this opportunity to lead the Division of University College and support student success initiatives, and I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to enhance academic programs and student development,” said Dr. Walker. A seasoned higher education administrator with over a decade of experience, she specializes in student success, retention, strategic planning, program development, and career preparation.
She holds a Master of Education in Education Administration, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Dr. Walker completed her Ph.D. program in urban higher education at Jackson State University in July 2022. Her research topic, “The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Students’ Mental Health and Degree Completion at HBCUs,” has been featured at the National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates and the Jackson State University Research Engagement Symposium. Dr. Walker attended Pennsylvania State College of Education and completed the Academic Leadership Academy, which consisted of 16 hours of instruction or 1.6 CEUs in June 2024.
Dr. Walker was recently selected as a 2025 HBCU Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) fellow at Clark Atlanta University.
Dr. Walker is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) and was recently elected Vice President-Membership of the Arkansas Academic Advising Network (ArkAAN).
