Wynn Walker Receives Inaugural International Professor of the Year Award

Wynn Walker, professor and senior associate dean for the College of Engineering, is the recipient of Utah State University’s inaugural International Professor of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional international research and technical assistance.

Walker, who has been engaged in international activity for more than 35 years, was chosen because of his extensive history of research and service in 23 countries. He has conducted numerous irrigation-engineering projects around the globe and partnered with various institutions and organizations. Walker has also been involved in nearly 30 funded research and technical assistance projects totaling $7.9 million in grants and external support.

“Wynn Walker’s legacy is his contribution to improved knowledge about irrigation efficiency,” said DeeVon Bailey, associate vice president for international research. “This is an extremely important issue when one considers the limited supply of fresh water that is being increasingly diverted to urban uses while the demand for food, and hence for water to irrigate crops, is increasing.”

Walker and the other nominees will be honored at the annual International Research Reception during Research Week. The event is March 28, 3:30-5 p.m. in the Merrill-Cazier Library, room 101. All are welcome, and more information can be found online at the Research Week page (www.researchweek.usu.edu).

The new International Professor of the Year Award highlights outstanding international engagement by faculty members. Each year it will alternatively honor different components of international activity. Research, technical assistance or creative activities will be recognized in odd-numbered years and educational activities in even-numbered years.

“This award recognizes the important international contributions of USU’s faculty,” Bailey said. “It validates the efforts USU faculty members are making to help people improve their lives, often in some of the most difficult locations and situations on Earth.”

Like other university awards, the International Professor of the Year Award seeks to recognize the history of the recipient’s work over multiple years. Candidates were nominated by their colleges and submitted a comprehensive nomination packet complete with several letters of recommendation, a curriculum vita, as well as a thorough review of their academic activity and its impact and contribution to their field. A panel of eight, with representatives from each of USU’s colleges, selected Walker from the pool of nominees.

Walker has not only been committed to global engagement in research and technical assistance, but he also is committed to teaching. Throughout his 41-year teaching career, he has been a mentor to many Ph.D. students, 17 of whom came to USU from international locations. 

“Dr. Walker’s former students are in important positions in the United States and internationally and are expanding the impact of Dr. Walker’s efforts every day,” Bailey said.   

Writer and contact: Kayla Woodring, 435-797-9190, kayla.woodring@usu.edu