Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of a visionary and a dedicated leader of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Paulette C. Walker during this year’s Black History Month. Dr. Walker has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others through education and public service. Today, I am grateful to recognize her selfless dedication and honor her valuable contributions to our community.

Dr. Walker served as the 25^th National President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A  Detroit native she is now a proud Floridian calling the Tampa Bay area home since February 1990. Dr. Walker has served Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on the local, regional and national levels for more than 45 years.

Dr. Walker was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter in 1966 and earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Michigan State University, master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Michigan, and her doctorate of education in administration and supervision also from UM.

Dr. Walker‘s research was on curriculum and instruction as well as administration and supervision with a focus on urban schools. She has also served as a classroom teacher, middle school and high school counselor, director of counseling, assistant principal and district-wide supervisor of state and federal projects. Her education, experience and expertise even combined to help her co-author a book, “We Can Have Better Urban Schools.”

In July 2011, she retired as the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida.

Throughout her career, Dr. Walker received numerous awards from several professional, civic and religious organizations. These flowed from her hard work and belief that every person has a special gift that should be shared with the world. She is the recipient of the Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award; Ronald McNair Scholars Research Mentor Award; Ronald McNair Scholars Role Model Mentor Award; Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award from the University of South Florida; Certificate of Merit, Institutional Award, American College Testing Program and National Academic Advising Association; and the President’s Affirmative Act Award, University of South Florida.

Dr. Walker is an active member of Mt. Olive AME Church in Tampa, Florida where she serves on the Trustee Board. Her other professional and community affiliations include: Board of Supervisors for Coahoma County; Member of the Council of Presidents – The National Pan-Hellenic Council; PACE Center for Girls Advisory Board; Moffitt Cancer Center African American Advisory Board; Mt. Olive Tampa Community Development Center, Mt. Pleasant Charter School Advisory Board. The State of Florida has recognized how valuable her counsel can be and appointed her to the Governor’s Commission on African American Affairs. Also, at the state level she serves on the American Cancer Society’s Hank Warren Advisory Board. Our neighbors also don’t lack for her service and vision as she serves in Hillsborough County on the Literacy Volunteers of America Board of Directors, American Diabetes Association Board of Directors, Bible-Based Christian Fellowship Academy Board of Directors and Moffitt Cancer Center Community Council Research Board.

Mr. Speaker, on the behalf of my neighbors in my hometown and indeed the entire Tampa Bay community where she has touched so many lives, we thank Dr. Paulette C. Walker for inspiring everyone to find their special gift and serve the world. I am proud to honor the “Devastating Diva of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.”, Dr. Paulette C. Walker during this year’s Black History Month for her uncompromising commitment to her country, state and community for more than 50 years.