Brenda L. Walker

Dr. Brenda L. Walker is a Professor in Exceptional Student Education and Interim Associate Dean at the University of South Florida. She also directs the CAROUSEL Center and a federal outreach project enhancing minority institutions' urban school research capacity. Her work focuses on special education, African American students' success, disciplinary inequities, and culturally responsive teaching. She co-authored a behavior management textbook and has authored numerous articles on education policy, legal perspectives, and systemic inequities.

• Educations:
• JD, Stetson University College of Law (2004–2006)
• PhD in Behavior Disorders and Learning Disabilities, University of Kansas (1988–1991)
• MA in Emotional-Impairment, Central Michigan University (1980–1984)
• BS in Psychology, Central Michigan University (1971–1975)

Her research explores disciplinary practices affecting African American learners, ethics in education, and strategies for gifted African American students. She has developed initiatives like Project PILOT, which graduated 31 African American male special education teachers. Her projects include TRUST, LASER, and ECLIPSE, funded by OSEP and NSF. Awards include the 2018 Allen Temple Image Award and multiple 2001 recognitions for leadership and service.

Dr. Walker’s grants and projects emphasize urban school reform, minority faculty development, and STEM education through initiatives like STARS (National Science Foundation-funded). She advocates for reducing school suspensions and promoting culturally affirming pedagogy through workshops and policy advocacy.