Sharianne Walker Named Interim Dean at WNEU College of Business

SPRINGFIELD — Sharianne Walker has been named interim dean of the Western New England University (WNEU) College of Business. WNEU President Anthony 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,” Caprio said. “Her 23 years as department chair and professor are excellent training as she begins her tenure and contemplates the many responsibilities of the deanship.”

Walker joined the College of Business faculty in 1996, most recently serving as chair and professor of Sport Management, as well as co-director of the Sport Leadership and Coaching graduate program. She is the co-author of the texts “Managing Intercollegiate Athletics,” “Managing Sport Organizations: Responsibility for Performance,” and “Strategic Management in International Sport Management.” She has presented her research in leadership development, business operations, and revenue generation at various international, national, and regional conferences. She has also spearheaded accreditation, strategic-planning, and assessment projects at the university.

An influential figure in the growth of the university’s athletics program, Walker has served as a faculty fellow, an NCAA faculty representative, and chair of the Western New England Athletics Council, and was inducted into the university’s Downes Athletic Hall of Fame. She was named Career Woman of the Year by the Massachusetts Business and Professional Women’s Assoc. and served as director of the Springfield Leadership Institute. She currently chairs the board of trustees of Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park in Florence.

Walker earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Smith College and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees in sport management from UMass.