Tonia Walker, Director of Athletics, Winston-Salem State University (DII)

An integral figure in the university's transition from NCAA Division II to Division I (Football Championship Subdivision) status she brings a wealth of knowledge of intercollegiate athletics to the University. Walker came to WSSU after completing a seven year stint with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) headquarters office where she began her career in 1993.

Walker’s influence in competitive excellence has guided the Rams to six NCAA Division II tournament appearances, as well as thirteen CIAA Championships Titles, including the Volleyball and Women’s Outdoor Track’s first time championships in school history, nine CIAA Divisional Titles and eight Coach of the Year honors. Walker boasts about the 27 CIAA Championships claimed by Winston-Salem State University sports teams over the past six years of which she’s been a part and takes pride in knowing that she represents a “Campus of Champions” whose mission is to Graduate Champions.

Walker’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence at the NCAA Division II level and her tireless, palpable commitment to the university has resulted in positive change and measureable outcomes for the Rams. During her tenure as Director of Athletics have posted its highest departmental cumulative grade point average over the past two decades and continues to reveal a graduation rate over and above the general student-body.

Named the 2015-16 CIAA Athletic Director of the Year and the 2016 Administrator of the Year for the National Association for Collegiate Athletics Administrators, Walker works to continuously advocate and champion for Winston-Salem State University student-athletes and opportunities for women and minorities.  

She was one of eight participants around the country selected for the NCAA Fellows Leadership Development Program. She is currently a member of the Women's Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA) and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), as well as the Black Women Sports Foundation.

Walker is a 2004 graduate of the NACWAA/HERS Institute and 2005 NACWAA Executive Institute, serving to enhance opportunities for women to move into positions as Athletics Directors or Conference Commissioners. She was named the 2008 NACWAA recipient of the Nell Jackson Award bestowed annually to an athletic administrator who exemplifies the qualities of Dr. Nell Jackson.  

She recently completed her term on the NCAA Division II Membership Committee and currently serves as President of the CIAA Management Council and President of the CIAA Athletic Director’s Association.  Walker recently completed Leadership Winston-Salem, the flagship program committed to community engagement and leadership and serves as a member of the board of Directors for the NCAA Division II Athletic Directors Association, the Fulton YMCA and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 

Tonia attended Hampton University as a two-sport athlete, playing basketball and softball and departed the university as a member of the 1993 CIAA Softball Championship Team, All-Region Softball Performer and Softball All-American. She graduated with honors, receiving a B.A. degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders. She went on to attend Old Dominion University to attain her M.S. in in Recreation and Sports Administration.