COAS welcomes new dean

Winston-Salem State started the 2013-14 academic year with a new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences: Corey Walker.

Walker had been an associate professor and former chair of the Africana Studies Department at Brown University in Providence, R.I.

The News Argus interviewed Walker about his role as dean for the COAS.

The News Argus: What or who influenced you to become a professor and ultimately a dean at WSSU?

Walker: There's a wonderful individual that I met during my undergraduate, and her name is Carthene Bazemore [Walker's wife].

She's really the one who provided an intellectual opening for me to begin to think about grad school.

My father had a huge influence on my life because here's an individual that demonstrated that ideals are not measured by the number of degrees by your name, but the ethics and integrity of your life.

The News Argus: How has your transition been from being a department chair at Brown University to becoming a dean at WSSU?

Walker: Coming to WSSU is my dream job. I see myself as continuing to be a faculty member that has the audacious responsibility of serving as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

I'm not one who seeks positions to move up. You have to find an institution whose mission is aligned with your ethical center and your vocational vision, and I think I found that here. I think the transition has been good.

The News Argus: Your wife, also works at WSSU as a chemistry professor and director of science initiatives. Was it an easy decision between the two of you to make this move to the University?

Walker: Our goal has always been to come to a Black college. After Brown, the recruitment to come to Winston-Salem State was almost full circle because this gave us an opportunity, both, to be at a historically Black college. It's wonderful to be here and come to work together, do our work and soon we'll both be teaching. So that'll be great.

The News Argus: What are some of your top priorities for the COAS?

Walker: This academic year is about what I call the three L's: Looking, Listening and Learning. I'm looking around to see where the challenges are. I'm listening to my faculty, colleagues, students, administrators, friends and alumni.

I'm really learning a lot about Winston-Salem, the city, and the history of this rich University.

I can't come in with a program or priorities without building that [intellectual culture], and also working collaboratively and creatively with faculty, colleagues and students. The UNC-system has a wonderful five-year strategic plan ["Our Future, Our Time"], and many of the goals and ideas of those plans are the goals of the college.

The News Argus: Do you have a vision for WSSU's student media -- SU Radio, RamTV and The News Argus?

Walker: I don't have a vision for it because it is student media. Students should have that vision, and let me know how I can support it, what I can do to enhance it or what resources I can offer.

The News Argus: Anything else that you want the campus or Ram family to know about you?

Walker: Always feel free to come to 130 Carolina Hall.