معرفی
Dr. Navella Jean Walker serves as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice in the Educational Leadership Department at the Tift College of Education, Mercer University. She coordinates and advises the Tier I and Tier II Educational Leadership Certification programs while teaching core courses including Leadership Theory, Managing the School Environment, and Clinical Internships. With over three decades of K-12 leadership experience including roles as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and Principal in Gwinnett County Public Schools, she integrates practical administrative expertise into her academic work.
Her academic credentials include:
- PhD in Educational Leadership from Mercer University (2009)
- EdS in Educational Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University (1996)
- MEd in Educational Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University (1989)
- BSEd in Elementary Education from Kent State University (1975)
Dr. Walker's research examines educational leadership development through university-based principal preparation programs, with concentrated focus on transforming low-performing schools via continuous improvement frameworks. She investigates executive coaching methodologies for principal development, growth trajectories of new assistant principals in instructional leadership roles, and change agency dynamics in school systems. Her international work with the McDonald Center for the Advancement of Global Education involves designing professional development for Dominican Republic Ministry of Education leaders in Regions 5 and 12.
Her distinguished recognitions include:
- Jim Puckett Outstanding Educator Award from Georgia Association for Educational Leaders (July 2024)
- Jeanette Harnsberger Professorship (2023-2025) from Tift College of Education (March 2023)
As co-Principal Investigator for the GENERATE grant, Dr. Walker advances leadership development initiatives while providing executive coaching to Cobb County's aspiring principals. She mentors district leaders through professional learning communities and facilitates motivational workshops for educators nationwide. Her leadership extends to serving as President of the Georgia Educational Leadership Faculty Association (2022-2023).
She directs the Dominican Republic Professional Development Project, collaborating with Ministry of Education officials to build leadership capacity among school administrators through evidence-based improvement strategies.
