Walker Honored with PASSHE’s 2024 Keepers of the Flame Award

KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Stephen G. Walker, academic coach for Student Support Services, is Kutztown University’s recipient of the annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Keepers of the Flame Award, organized by Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). Walker received the award during the PASSHE Summit Monday, Oct. 28, Millersville University.

The Keepers of the Flame Award began in 2022 and recognizes an individual from each of the 14 State System university campuses for their contributions to creating and promoting diverse, equitable and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of belonging.

Walker is culturally inclusive in his approach when addressing and supporting the needs of people from diverse cultures and values their unique contribution. He is intentional in providing and adopting inclusive practices to minimize individuals from feeling marginalized, isolated and discouraged.

Walker is always willing to lean into moments of discomfort as a pause to reflect upon and reconsider the content and programming and who it benefits. He is always aware of his role on campus and what his relationship with others is, specifically his students. The TRIO students have a space for belonging which includes diverse curriculum and programming because of Walker.

In Walker’s role as an academic coach in the TRIO SSS program, he is also tasked with assisting the director with ways to engage program students in the FYS courses they instruct, learning communities and other program events.  Everything that Walker does is to promote and cultivate DEIB on KU’s campus and in his home community and life. He values people and how they enrich lives and community spaces. He values creating relationships with others and forming rapports that impact our campus community in a positive way.

Walker is changing students' lives with this mentorship relationship at KU. He embodies what is essential for any campus: relationships, culture and community.

“The Keepers of the Flame Award honors members of the PASSHE community for contributions to the success of everyone at our universities and always striving to make our campuses welcoming places for everyone,” said Dr. Denise Pearson, vice chancellor and chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer at the Office of the Chancellor. “We celebrate and honor each of these recipients who have shown time and again that a commitment to academic excellence, DEI and student success can open doors of opportunity and strengthen each of our university communities.”