Paulette C. Walker, longtime faculty member at the University of South Florida and former national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., passed away on October 8. She was 77 years old.
Dr. Walker graduated from high school at age 16 and enrolled at Michigan State University, where she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta—the largest Black Greek-letter sorority in the world. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and secured a job as the first Black woman systems analyst at Michigan Bell, a telephone company that has since been acquired by AT&T.
Soon after, Dr. Walker decided to transition her career to education. While pursuing a master’s degree in guidance and counseling at the University of Michigan, she taught math and science at Highland Park School District near Detroit. After earning her graduate degree, she became the school’s guidance counselor. Dr. Walker continued her studies at the University of Michigan, ultimately earning a doctor of education degree in administration and supervision.
In 1990, Dr. Walker began her long tenure with the University of South Florida as director of undergraduate programs and internships in the College of Education, a position she held until her retirement in 2011. As a scholar, she studied curriculum and instruction, as well as administration and supervision issues in urban schools. Her research led her to co-author We Can Have Better Urban Schools (Caddo Gap Press, 2000). During her retirement, Dr. Walker served as the 25th national president of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. for four years.