Faculty

Karen Walker

Professor of Family and Human Development; Director of Educational Research and Development

Professor Karen Marie Walker

“The brain’s directive role in the ongoing development of each human being continues to dominate my research and teaching. Implementation of research findings in university policies and classroom teaching results in extended opportunities for heightened student achievement. My passion is human potential—and my goal is to help each of our students to “become more” as they work towards graduation.”

Education

  • Ph.D. in Human Services, Walden University, 1977
  • B.S. in Home Economics Education, Brigham Young University, 1972

Courses

  • Teaches courses in Family and Human Development; Child and Adolescent Development, Early Childhood Intervention, Infant Development, Parenting, Family Policy
  • Travel Study: France and Italy

Teaching Positions & Professional Experiences

  • Joined Southern Virginia University faculty in 2007
  • Taught Pre-school Curriculum Development, Child and Adolescent Development, Adolescent Development and Parenting Young Children at Clark County Community College (Las Vegas), 1984–88
  • Coordinator/Discussion Leader Women’s Center-University of Richmond, 1983–84
  • Taught Human Growth and Development, Adolescent Psychology, Parenting Young Children, and Interior Design at Boise State University, 1978–82

Scholarship & Creative Work

  • Developed Pilot Program, Reading for the Liberal Arts, Southern Virginia University, 2018
  • Published “The Deep Learning Academic Success Planner,” Kendall Hunt, 2012
  • Published “Marital Adjustment in Mormon and non-Mormon Marriages,” Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists, Volume 5, No. 3, 1979

Awards, Leadership & Service

  • Director of Educational Research and Development, Southern Virginia University, 2023–present
  • Vice-president of Educational Research and Development, Southern Virginia University, 2015–23
  • Academic Affairs Council, Southern Virginia University, 2018–23
  • Phi Kappa Phi Secretary, Southern Virginia University, 2017–19
  • President’s Council, Southern Virginia University, 2015–17
  • Associate Provost, Southern Virginia University, 2016–17
  • Chairman of University Retention Committee, Southern Virginia University, 2015–17
  • Admissions Committee, Southern Virginia University, 2008–12