Anthony Walker Fits Well in New Role as Student Trustee

Anthony Walker knew that becoming Student Trustee on the College of DuPage Board of Trustees would be a good fit, even though he initially didn't consider running.

"I had been involved with the Student Leadership Council for a year but had no intention to run for any office because I didn't think I had the time," he said. "(SLC President) Kiley Pooler suggested that I should run for her position. However, I decided not to because Safia Khan was doing so and I knew she would be great as SLC President."

Instead, Walker looked at the Student Trustee position and liked the possibilities. With only one week before the application was due, he made the decision and quickly collected the required number of signatures. Both he and Khan were elected, and Walker was sworn in at the April 17 Board of Trustees special meeting.

"I've always been curious and I'm interested in what other students are doing," he said. "I want to voice their concerns and bring their creative ideas to the Board and administration."

The Bensenville resident is happy that he selected College of DuPage.

"I was introverted in high school, and I knew my personality would not mix at a four-year school," he said. "On top of that, I did not want to put myself so heavily in debt at a young age. I took a tour of College of DuPage and I told myself at that moment, 'This is it!' COD is so diverse and there are so many ways to get involved. I saw my potential at COD and it was one of the best choices I have ever made."

Earlier this year, Walker received the Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., scholarship through the College of DuPage Foundation. He is looking forward to becoming the first college graduate in his immediate family when he finishes his certificate for Management and Supervision this spring, followed by his Associate in Applied Science degree in Management in December of 2017. He then will stay at COD in the 3+1 program to earn a bachelor's degree in Management from Benedictine University. Ultimately, Walker wants to pursue a master's degree in Business/Human Resources Management.

"It will be hard for me to stick to just one area in my field," he said. "I plan to pursue careers in customer service management, human resources management and hospitality management."

Being Student Trustee will provide invaluable experience that he can apply toward his future. His first goal is to review the reports of his predecessor, Luzelena Escamilla. He then would like to see more students present to the Board.

"I would like the Board and administration to be more aware of student involvement, and I want students to be more aware of and listen to the administration," he said. "This campus is so diverse. There so many different people here representing many cultures and races. It forces people to think differently and we can apply that as we collaborate and learn together."