ATLANTA — Clark Atlanta University (CAU) President Ronald A. Johnson today announced the selection of Ms. Tanaya M. Walters as the institution’s new vice president for Student Affairs following a national search to fill the position. Ms. Walters, who presently serves as dean of students at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, N.C., will begin her new role on March 14.
“I am well aware of the rich history and traditions that undergird the historic legacy of Clark Atlanta University, and am excited to become part of the leadership team that is focused upon ‘mobilizing for the future,’” Walters says. “I am particularly excited to engage with a national student population that is increasingly more global and, most important, eager to tap into global learning, research and service opportunities that ensures a wholesome, well-rounded collegiate experience.”
Walters, who earned the bachelor’s degree in marketing and the master’s degree in managerial technology from Johnson and Wales, is presently a candidate for the Ed.D. degree at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill. She brings considerable student development experience to this new role.
In addition to her duties at Johnson and Wales, where she has served as dean of students and a member of the president’s cabinet since 2007, she also has served as assistant director of residential life, women’s basketball coach, assistant director of student activities, assistant director of Greek life, and director of student life. She previously served at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, as assistant director of student activities, coordinator of the Emerging Leader Program and coordinator of new students and parent programs.
A graduate of Leadership Charlotte, Walters has been profiled in numerous publications, including the Charlotte Post (2010) and Who’s Who in Black Charlotte (2008 and 2009), and is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including a Community Service Award (2008) and the Student Life Team Award (2009). She also is an Elliot Leadership Institute Communication Champion.
CAU President Ronald A. Johnson says “Ms. Walters brings to Clark Atlanta University the level of creativity and the strategic acumen necessary to truly elevate the student experience here. Our priority is students’ academic and career success. Ms. Walters has demonstrated throughout her career the ability to create and enhance environments that engender optimal student outcomes. We are very fortunate to have her join the CAU Community.”
Photos of Tanaya Walters and CAU campus, courtesy of Clark Atlanta University
Photo of President Ronald A. Johnson taken by Terry Shropshire of Atlanta Daily World.