WTAMU’s Jean Walker was awarded the 2011 Dual Career/Lifetime Achievement Award by the Amarillo Women’s Network (AWN).
Walker is WT’s Miller Professor of Entrepreneurship, and she created the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team 18 years ago, which wins regional awards annually.
AWN member Lou Ann Garrett nominated Walker for the prestigious award in Jan. 2012.
“Being named to the Miller Professorship of Entrepreneurship is a fitting tribute to her impact in our area and a compelling reason to honor her with AWN’s Career Achievement Award!” Garrett said in her nomination letter.Walker became a member of the AWN in the year of its establishment in 1980.
“None of the rotary clubs in Amarillo let women join so there wasn’t anything that they could join [to] make those business connections,” Walker said. “It’s been a broadening experience, and I’ve gotten to know a lot of people here really well through Amarillo Women’s Network.”
Walker is the Director of the West Texas Center on Economic Education and conducts workshops statewide. In addition to professional networking, she teaches economics, personal finance, and entrepreneurship.
“I think that who you know is important, [and] what you know is important,” Walker said. “So, don’t look at one of those and totally ignore the other.”
Clara Saenz, a Bilingual Education major, is inspired by Walker’s achievements.
“As a female student, [Walker] motivates me to reach for my goals and represent successful women,” Saenz said. “It’s an honor to be at a university where women win such awards.”
