WSSU Senior Woman Administrator Tonia Walker honored with Nell Jackson Award
Tonia Walker’s efforts earn her national accolades
Chris Zona
8/20/08

WSSU Photo

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) will honor Winston-Salem State University Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator Tonia Walker with the 2008 Nell Jackson Award.

The Nell Jackson award is bestowed annually to an athletics administrator who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. Nell Jackson. The award is given to an individual who demonstrates qualities such as courage, conviction and perseverance and to an athletic administrator who is an advocate for gender equity and diversity. 

Walker is in her ninth year at Winston-Salem State University where she serves as the Rams' Associate Director of Athletics as well as serving as the Senior Woman Administrator.  She has been a member of the WSSU Athletics staff since August of 2000 and will enter into her ninth year of service to Winston-Salem State University in 2008-09 making her the most senior administrator in the WSSU Department of Athletics.            

Originally serving as both the Assistant Director of Athletics and head volleyball coach, Walker resigned her duties as WSSU's head volleyball coach in 2002 to focus on her administrative role en route to moving to the position of Associate Director of Athletics.  

She is responsible for internal operations of the department and has been instrumental in fundraising efforts, the implementation of CHAMPS/Lifeskills programming, SAAC initiatives, and new opportunities and exposure for athletic staff and student-athletes.             

An integral figure in the university's transition from NCAA Division II to Division I (Football Championship Subdivision) status she brings a wealth of knowledge of intercollegiate athletics to the University.  Walker came to WSSU from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) head office where she began her career in 1993. 

Named the 2003-04 and 2005-06 CIAA Senior Woman Administrator of the Year, Tonia was one of eight participants around the country selected for the NCAA Fellows Leadership Development Program. The extensive 18-month program from which Walker graduated in May of 2006 serves to enhance the employment and leadership opportunities for minorities and women at the senior management level of intercollegiate athletics administration.       

She is currently a member of the Region 3 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee, the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association and the Black College Coaches and Administrators Association. She is a 2004 graduate of the NACWAA/HERS Institute and 2005 NACWAA Executive Institute -both serving to enhance opportunities for women to move into positions as Athletics Directors or Conference Commissioners. She has served on numerous committees both nationally and for the university and is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after athletics administrators in the nation.       

Tonia attended Hampton University as a two-sport athlete, playing basketball and softball.  In December of 1993 Walker graduated with honors, receiving a B.A. degree in speech and language disorders and went on to attain a M.S. in sports management from Old Dominion University in 1998.

“I am deeply humbled to be recognized as this year's NACWAA Nell Jackson Award recipient” Walker commented upon learning of her selection as the Nell Jackson Award recipient.

“This is an awesome honor.  In everything that I have accomplished, I always remember that I stand on the shoulders of giants like Nell Jackson. Giants who have paved the way for females in this profession with blood, sweat and tears - tears that fertilized growth and opportunities for women. This recognition speaks to all that my personal circle of supporters has contributed over years, in my plight to become a director of athletics in the future. Without them, this honor could not have been possible.”

The Nell Jackson award will be presented at the NACWAA Administrators of the Year banquet on Monday, Oct. 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Omni Hotel and the CNN Center in Atlanta, Ga.