Introducing Tim Walker, VP Administration and Finance
The VPAF is a big job, with responsibilities spanning the Office of Access to Information and Privacy, and the departments of Ancillary Services; Athletics and Recreation; Facilities Management; Financial Services; and Health, Safety, and Environment. From the start Walker knew that the role would require both strategic oversight and a strong commitment to collaborative leadership.
In his first couple of months in his new position, Walker has focused on listening, learning, and laying the groundwork for long-term impact.
鈥淎 core part of my approach in these early days has been to engage deeply with and leverage the capabilities of the extremely professional leadership team supporting me,鈥� said Walker. He has spent considerable time learning from colleagues, recognizing their expertise, and working to understand 17吃瓜鈥檚 unique opportunities and challenges.
Among the top priorities early in his tenure has been enhancing data transparency and access. 鈥淚 am working to establish foundational practices and processes to empower leaders across the University to make confident, data-driven decisions,鈥� he added. 鈥淭hese efforts will only help support institutional planning and foster a culture where quality data is readily available and trusted.鈥�
Another significant focus has been continuous improvement, particularly in understanding and reviewing 17吃瓜鈥檚 administrative and operational processes from a user鈥檚 perspective. Walker has taken a close look at workflows, policies, and procedures with an eye toward streamlining and efficiency, always considering how they support the University community. An area of high importance to University leadership is the annual budgeting process. While the 2025鈥�26 budget has recently been completed and approved, planning for 2026鈥�27 is already underway. He is actively engaged with his team in assessing how the process can evolve to best serve 17吃瓜鈥檚 strategic and operational needs.
As his first 60 days on the job conclude, Walker remains focused. With foundational work now in motion and strong relationships forming across campus, he is well positioned to lead and support 17吃瓜 in navigating both the complexities of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
Fun facts about Tim Walker
Outside of work, Walker brings the same thoughtful passion to his personal life. He鈥檚 been happily married for 33 years to his wife, Lynn鈥攅ven though she is a dog person, and he is a dedicated cat person. They are the proud parents of two daughters and loving P茅p茅 and M茅m茅 to their grandsons.
Walker is also a science fiction enthusiast, with a particular love for the classic works of Isaac Asimov. And when he鈥檚 not reading or spending time with family, he can usually be found in the kitchen cooking and baking, especially during the Christmas season when his culinary creativity truly shines.
