AUSTIN, Texas—Lee Walker, a lecturer in UT Austin’s Graduate School of Business Management Department, College of Business, has been honored as “Austinite of the Year” by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Walker, who has been a lecturer at the University since 1991, also has taught a course titled “The Theory and Practice of Community Building” in the Plan II Honors Program, where he discusses a myriad of issues around the topics of effective collaboration, empowerment and advocacy. He was chosen for the Austinite of the Year Award because of his community leadership.
“Leadership and participation are key elements to take the Austin region into the next century as we develop into a mature community that balances economics and quality of life,” said 1998 Chamber Chair F. Gary Valdez. “Lee Walker understands the importance of community, is a committed participant and has used his leadership skills to make an impact on economic and community development.”
Valdez described Walker as an entrepreneur and an investor, as an educator and as an advocate of neighborhoods, parks and the environment. Valdez said Walker uses his business skills to benefit Capital Metro through his volunteer position as chairman of the board. In past years, Walker, a native of Three Rivers, Texas, was an entrepreneur on the East Coast who returned to Texas where he served as the president of Dell Computer Corporation through its formative years. He left Dell in 1990 for health reasons and was later asked to teach at the University.
“As we move into the next century, community decisions will be made through utilizing partnerships, leveraging knowledge and expertise, and securing individuals who will volunteer their time and energy to make it all happen,” said Valdez. “Lee Walker exemplifies the personal passion and involvement that is so important to make the Austin region a place each of us is proud to call home.”
Walker was honored at the Chamber’s Annual Banquet on Feb. 2 at the Frank C. Erwin Center. The Austinite of the Year award was created by the Chamber in 1984.
