Walker inducted into NAIA Hall of Fame

Milligan College, Tenn. (Apr. 15, 2008) --- Long time coach, athletic director, professor and friend of Milligan College, Duard Walker, was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame Monday night at a ceremony held in Louisville, Ky. 

“I am honored to accept this award,” said Walker.  “The NAIA told me that this is the highest award they give out, and I am just honored to receive it.” 

According to the NAIA, candidates must reflect outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches and former athletes. Inductees are organized by sport, and then subdivided into three categories: athlete, coach and meritorious service. Walker 's induction was for meritorious service. 

“Coach Walker lives a life dedicated to his Christian beliefs and to Milligan College and is very deserving of this award,” said Mark Fox, vice president for student and sports development at Milligan. “We are so glad that Coach Walker received this honor and national recognition for his efforts.”

Walker attended Milligan College as a student and then served in various roles during his 50-year tenure, including professor, coach, athletic director, residence hall director and even as dean of students. As a student-athlete, he participated in five sports and currently holds the school record for most varsity letters, 12.  He retired from Milligan College in 2001, and in his final year was named the NAIA Athletic Director of the Year.  

“Everybody has someone that has made a tremendous impact on their lives, and Coach Walker has been that someone for hundreds of people,” said Milligan College Athletic Director Ray Smith. “Coach Walker is a very special man and is very deserving of this award.”      

Walker not only has impacted Milligan College but surrounding institutions as well. The Appalachian Athletic Conference's Duard Walker All-Sports Trophy was established as a way of recognizing member institutions with the most successful all-around sports program for the year. Milligan has won the award seven out of the eight years of its existence. 

“The NAIA is proud to recognize an impressive Hall of Fame class. These individuals represent character-driven intercollegiate athletics and the proud tradition of the association,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “It is an honor to celebrate these admirable student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators for their roles in sport.”

Walker was joined at the ceremony by family, former colleagues and student-athletes to celebrate his Hall of Fame induction.