As an instructor in the Blinn College Health Information Technology Program, the late Brenda Walker taught her students that a career in health care is more than just a job – it’s a calling to help others.
Walker, who passed away last June, has been honored for her commitment to teaching with an endowed scholarship established in her name. Her husband, Dr. C. Michael Walker, donated $15,000 to the Blinn Foundation for the Dr. Brenda Speights Walker Health Information Technology Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a sophomore in Blinn’s Health Information Technology Program.
Brenda Walker was a fulltime instructor in the program from the Fall 2016 until her passing. She was recognized with a Blinn Teaching Excellence Award in 2019.
“I wanted to honor her with this scholarship for many reasons, including her passion for health information technology and education, and her goal of excellence in both,” Michael Walker said. “As the parents and grandparents of college students, we certainly understand that any help with tuition or books can certainly make a difference in a student’s academic success.”
Upon being named a Teaching Excellence Award recipient, Brenda Walker said she felt a responsibility to ensure her students were prepared for a career in health information technology.
“As an educator, I teach the mechanics; however, just as important is my responsibility to demonstrate to students the need for attention to detail and a work ethic that says only my best is good enough for my patients,” she said.
Brenda Walker’s career in health information management began in January 1981. She worked at medical facilities in Texas and Louisiana, and taught at Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City, La. before joining Blinn College.
“She always held very high standards for her work as well as the work of those she supervised,” said Michael Walker. “That carried over to her work at Blinn, and she held her students to those high standards.”
Sam Sommer, chairman of the Blinn Foundation Board of Directors, said the Walker scholarship will help health information technology students meet their career goals.
“Choosing a career in health care shows a commitment by that person to help others,” Sommer said. “That was evident in Mrs. Walker’s career and her dedication to her students while she was at Blinn College.
“The scholarship in her honor is a generous gift that will have a lasting impact, and we’re very grateful for it.”
Donations to the Dr. Brenda Speights Walker Health Information Technology Scholarship can be made by contacting the foundation at www.blinn.edu/foundation.
More information on the Health Information Technology Program is available at blinn.edu/health-information-technology.
The Blinn Foundation oversees more than 200 endowed scholarships. It is a tax-exempt organization that provides financial support for programs and activities that enhance the quality of education for Blinn students and expand educational opportunities. It also looks to heighten community awareness of the mission and accomplishments of the college and to promote excellence in education.
Endowed scholarships are available to incoming and returning students from a wide range of backgrounds, majors, and experiences. Students are considered based on high academic achievement, participation in student activities, and community involvement.
Current high school and college students can apply for Blinn scholarships by completing the application at www.blinn.edu/scholarships. Prior to applying for scholarships, students must complete their application for admission to Blinn College at www.applytexas.org.
