New Scholarship Established: The Barbara Walker Endowed Scholarship in Social Work
The Barbara Walker Endowed Scholarship in Social Work
Since the inception of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, generous support from friends and donors has been vital to the success of our beloved school. Over the last 50 years, the gifts of so many have allowed us to provide support for students seeking to make a difference in the world by studying social work. The Garland School, as part of Baylor University, has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless individuals. Among those who have made significant contributions to the University is Barbara Walker, the first female African American graduate of Baylor. Her trailblazing spirit and commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on this institution and the communities she has touched as a social worker.
To honor her legacy and inspire future generations of social work professionals, former student-athlete Michael Johnson has established the Barbara Walker Endowed Scholarship in Social Work. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to deserving Garland School students pursuing degrees in social work and seeking to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Need
The demand for qualified social workers continues to grow, especially in areas with high rates of poverty, inequality and social challenges. By supporting students pursuing degrees in social work, we are investing in the future of our communities and ensuring that compassionate individuals are equipped to address pressing social issues.
The Impact
The Barbara Walker Endowed Scholarship will help to alleviate the financial burdens students so often face, allowing them to focus on their studies and academic pursuits.
This scholarship strengthens the Garland School's commitment to engaging in ethical and anti-oppressive social work practice and research. It will have a lasting impact on the lives of students and our broader communities.
By providing this financial support to our students, we are helping to:
• Increase access to higher education —
This need-based scholarship will provide critically important financial aid for students with the highest need at the Garland School, helping to remove the financial barriers that can block students’ access to the social work profession.
• Develop future social work leaders —
By investing in the education of talented students, we are nurturing the next generation of social work professionals who will be equipped to address the complex challenges facing our society.
• Honor the legacy of Barbara Walker —
This scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute to Mrs. Walker’s groundbreaking achievements and her commitment to social justice.
The Donor
Michael Johnson is a former Baylor student-athlete and a distinguished member of the Baylor community. Affectionately known by his teammates and friends as “Big Mike,” Michael was a four-year starter for the Baylor Football team from 1994-97 and a two-time All-Big 12 Conference offensive lineman. The Chicago, Illinois, native was voted MVP and team captain his junior and senior seasons, and he is a member of Baylor Football’s All Decade team for the 1990s.
A two-sport letterwinner, Michael threw the shot put for the Baylor Men’s Track and Field team where he played a key role in the team winning the Southwest Conference title in 1996. After earning his bachelor's degree in Communications in 1999, Johnson entered the insurance industry and currently owns and operates two State Farm Insurance offices in Frisco and McKinney, Texas. Michael's generosity in setting up this fund reflects his deep commitment to service and his dedication to giving back to the University. His philanthropy through this endeavor will make a difference in the lives of countless others as Walker Scholarship recipients begin their careers as social workers serving individuals, families and entire communities.
Will you consider a gift?
We invite you to join Michael in supporting social work students and honoring Barbara Walker’s legacy through a gift to the Barbara Walker Endowed Scholarship in Social Work. Your support will help ensure future generations of Baylor students are inspired and empowered by her legacy while preparing them for careers as social work professionals.
You can give directly to this scholarship by following this link! Will you give today?