Faculty

Karen Walker

Professor of Family and Human Development; Family & Human Development Program Coordinator

“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

  • Family and Human Development Major:
    • Child and Adolescent Development
    • Early Childhood Intervention
    • Infant Development
    • Parenting
    • Family Policy
  • Travel Study:
    • France
    • Italy

Teaching Positions & Professional Experiences

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

Scholarship & Creative Work

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