Dr. Sharianne Walker has been named interim dean of the Western New England University College of Business. Western New England University President Anthony S. Caprio announced the appointment, citing Walker's distinguished service to the College of Business and the University as a whole.
"The faculty of the College of Business, and all of us associated with the University, are extremely fortunate to have such a talented teacher, strong scholar, and seasoned administrator among us who has accepted the request that she lead the College of Business and guide it into our second century," said President Caprio. "Her 23 years as Department Chair and professor are excellent training as she begins her tenure and contemplates the many responsibilities of the deanship."
A native of Northampton, Walker joined the College of Business faculty in 1996, most recently serving as Chair and Professor of Sport Management, as well as codirector of the Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Coaching graduate program. She is the coauthor of the texts Managing Intercollegiate Athletics; Managing Sport Organizations: Responsibility for Performance; and Strategic Management in International Sport in International Sport Management. Walker has presented her research in leadership development, business operations, and revenue generation at various international, national, and regional conferences. Walker also has spearheaded accreditation, strategic planning, and assessment projects at the University.
An influential figure in the growth of the University's athletics program, she has served as a faculty fellow, an NCAA Faculty Representative, chair of the Western New England Athletics Council, Athletic Direct Report, and was inducted into the University's Downes Athletic Hall of Fame.
Walker was previously named Career Woman of the Year by the Massachusetts Business and Professional Women's Association and served as Director of the Springfield Leadership Institute. She is currently the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park in Florence.
Walker earned her bachelor's degree in English from Smith College, and master's and Ph.D. degrees in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts.
