(San Antonio, TX, January 30, 2009) – Acting on the recommendation of San Antonio College President Robert E. Zeigler, the Alamo Community College District Board of Trustees at this month’s regular meeting approved Vernell E. Walker as the college’s Dean of Professional and Technical Education (PTE).  Ms. Walker was chairperson of SAC’s Business Department from 1990 to 2007, and served as Interim Dean of PTE for the past year.

“Ms. Walker’s 25 years as a faculty member of this institution, including 17 as a department chair, illustrates her commitment to the education of our students,” Dr. Zeigler said.  “She has outstanding credentials, and I am delighted with her confirmation to this position.”

Also the current chair of the college’s Curriculum Review Committee, and previously a member of the committee and chair of a PTE department, Walker has extensive knowledge of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requirements, as well as Academic and Workforce Education guidelines and policies, and legislative revisions to the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 2006 that supports career and technical educational programs. Moreover, from 2004 to 2005, she was the Faculty Senate Chair and served a two-year term as Vice Chair, in addition to holding positions on numerous college and district committees.  

Besides administrative functions, Walker has worked closely with students.  As Business Management faculty, she developed and revised course content, was involved with selecting textbooks and instructional materials, and offered academic and career advisement to students.

Prior to being an instructor, Walker was a Placement Outreach Associate at SAC. She coordinated campus activities and career fairs with state and local business, and helped students prepare resumes and find employment.

“My 30-year career with San Antonio College has offered me both professional and academic growth,” Ms. Walker said.  “As Dean I am excited about the opportunities to handle student issues, departmental concerns, and administrative decision making.”

Ms. Walker earned her Master’s in Higher Education and Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Occupational Education from Texas State University. She also is a former SAC Associate of Applied Science, Business Technology graduate.  She is a member of the Texas Community College Teachers Association (TCCTA), the American Management Association and the American Association of Women in Community Colleges.

The division of Professional and Technical Education at San Antonio College provides the community with quality curriculum developed to meet the needs of business and industry. Graduates are respected throughout the San Antonio area and greatly contribute to workforce demands. Departments include Administrative Computer Technology, Allied Health (Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting and Dental Laboratory Technology), American Sign Language and Interpreter Training, Business, Computer Information Systems, Early Childhood Studies, Engineering Technologies, Mortuary Science, Nursing, Protective Services and Radio-Television-Film.  SAC is the largest single-campus community college in the state of Texas and one of the Alamo Community Colleges.

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Editors' Note:
A photo may be downloaded from www.accd.edu/sac/pr/hires/v_walker.jpg