A Champion for Tech Equity in Higher Education: Meet J. Allen Walker
J. Allen Walker is a seasoned tech leader with a focus on higher education, overseeing IT, branding, and marketing at Edward Waters University. He's also a successful entrepreneur, having founded Phenix Media Group. Walker holds an MPA (Master of Public Administration) and is currently pursuing a D.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology. Committed to closing the tech-equity gap, he assists underfunded institutions.
What is your personal and professional life story?
Born in Saginaw, Michigan, a post-industrial town plagued by crime and social inequities, I was fortunate to have the support of my mother and other mentors who guided me through these challenging circumstances. Through programs like the NAACP ACT-SO, Jazz Ensemble, and FIRST Robotics Team, I developed a passion for education and the arts.
With the help of mentors and a Marching Band Scholarship to Livingstone College, I was able to overcome homelessness and earn my bachelor's degree with honors. My time at Livingstone, under the guidance of leaders like Reverend Mignonne E.M. Snipes and Dr. Herman Felton, Jr., was instrumental in shaping my character, resolve, and academic interests.
Since then, I've had the privilege of serving as a staff member at both Livingstone College and Edward Waters University, and am now pursuing a Doctorate in Education from Penn State University. As a Florida resident, I aim to leverage my experience and education to address local and national educational challenges, providing leadership and mentorship to those seeking to make a positive impact both locally and nationwide.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
A pivotal moment was when I re-enrolled as a non-traditional student at Livingstone College. Coming off of nearly a year of being unhoused, I initially re-enrolled with the intent of merely having a place to live. However, through the close mentorship of several institutional leaders, I was able to improve, grow, and develop into a model student leader, and participate in several innovative experiential programs as a senior at Livingstone.
This ultimately led to my first role as a Communications Project and Technical Specialist, followed by a transition to Edward Waters in Jacksonville, FL, where I now reside.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion for serving comes from the countless students I've encountered working in higher education. Witnessing their perseverance through social, economic, and emotional barriers motivates me to do what I can to help smooth the road for them.
How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?
GlobalMindED offers an amazing network of professionals, leaders, and change agents who can provide professional development, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Through their innovative programs, conferences, and opportunities, I can grow personally, professionally, and academically, staying ahead of the trends in education.
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