THE EDINBORO

Charting A Forward Path Is Imperative

It is imperative that schools like EU not only survive, but also thrive, said Walker. More than 30 percent of EU students enrolled for 2017–2018 are first-generation college students. More than 40 percent are PELL eligible, which means they come from families with the greatest financial need. Walker believes first-generation and high-financial-need families are important populations and providing access for these students is critical.

“Comprehensive, regional, public institutions like Edinboro have transformed the lives of generations of students from modest backgrounds. I had such a background.

“I pursued a career in higher education because I know how it can positively change the course of a person’s life. Work that enables us to positively impact lives is noble and can only be accomplished when all members of the community work together to best serve students.

“This work takes time, and there will be hurdles along the way,” Walker acknowledged.

“We have all the ingredients in place to be successful. Now is the time for us to use ‘Our Path Forward’ to keep us focused and moving in the right direction. We have a proud history and tremendous accomplishments; at this point, it is a matter of fine tuning the university by making data-based, studentcentered decisions.”

Recalling all the time he spent on ships, which were often in tumultuous seas, Walker painted a visual.

“While in the Navy, I experienced waves, swells and even huge storms at sea. I learned that if I looked at the waves and swells, it would make me seasick. But, if I looked out at the horizon, the waves and swells closest to me did not block my view of the horizon.

“We cannot stop looking out at the horizon. We must keep the big picture and our end goal in mind. That end goal is providing students with a college experience that shapes their own paths and leads them to fulfilling and productive lives.”

For more information on “Our Path Forward,” visit www.edinboro.edu/initiatives