Former Student Returns as Faculty

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  In an office full of books ranging from Harry Potter to Beowulf and John Keats, sits Kay Walter, and she is glad to be home.

   Walter, a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello with a degree in French, taught pre-school to adult education, private and public schools, community colleges and universities, kindergarten in Honduras and now French and English at UAM as well as sponsoring the Theatre Club and “reactivating” the French Club.

   “Once upon a time in the classes I teach, I was on the other side of the desk,” Walter said. “I always wanted to teach here. I had to build a career and bring my strengths, experience and excitement back home.”

   Things have changed since Walter attended the university. There is a new library in place of the old one where she used to work. The computers do not have punch cards anymore, and there are weeds growing in the grass. Walter admire most that still teach at the university, including Betty Matthews.

   “She was a great student and I have every reason to believe she will be a great teacher,” Matthews said.  "Some people seem to think if you graduate here, you can’t come back to teach, and some of our best professors graduated from here.”

   Walter, the last French major to graduate from Monticello said she would like to see the foreign language department grow. Reinstating the French Club takes this a step forward. Walter also spends a lot of time with the Theatre Club.

   “I think it’s great that’s she’s so enthusiastic about working with the Theatre Club. It’s great we got a professor that’s willing to work with clubs on campus and work to keep them alive,” said Brooke Burger, a member of the Theatre Club.


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