Charles Walker, MS

Charles Walker is Program Director for Diversity and Inclusion at the College of Applied Science and Technology, University of Arizona. Joining the college in early 2020, he develops strategic initiatives and actions that guide CAST in becoming a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive academic organization. Prior to pursuing a career in academia, he served in the United States Army for 23 years as a Signal Intelligence professional. Serving in roles at the senior executive and advisory levels within diverse military and intelligence-focused communities, Mr. Walker provides the dexterity and perspective required to understand and serve student, faculty and staff needs across many aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at CAST.

Mr. Walker actively engages with internal and external partners to create actionable pathways towards inclusive excellence for college and university-wide initiatives. He is the current Chair of the CAST READI (Respect for Human Dignity, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion) Committee, and CAST Staff Advisory Council; Active member of the UArizona Diversity Coordinating Council (DCC); UArizona Staff Advisory Council; Veteran Advocate for University of Arizona Student Veterans.

Mr. Walker holds Masters of Science in Strategic Intelligence and Bachelors of Science in Intelligence from the National Intelligence University in Washington, DC, and an Associates in Applied Science – Intelligence Operations from Cochise College.

During his military career, Mr. Walker actively engaged with key leaders from joint military (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy) and civilian affiliates to change organizational, operational, and cultural changes at the National Security Agency during their restructuring period. His work, in collaboration with his leadership team, created pathways for recognition, professional development, and retention of military personnel. He also participated in personnel structure teams and focus groups to create new positions for joint military officers to perform challenging leadership roles primary given to civilian senior executives.

His leadership and expertise were instrumental to the success of numerous national security objectives, in addition to various diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and were recognized with awards to include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2rd Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (2nd Award), Army Superior Unit Award (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and NATO Medal.