Seasoned rural education leader brings 17+ years of experience advancing postsecondary and workforce pathways across Texas
Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN), a Texas-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening rural education and workforce systems, is proud to announce Jeff Walker as its new President.
Walker brings more than 17 years of frontline experience in public education and community leadership, with a career defined by building authentic partnerships, strengthening postsecondary pathways, and expanding economic mobility for students in underserved and rural communities across Texas.
“Jeff Walker is exactly the kind of leader this moment requires,” said Dr. Kim Alexander, CEO and Founder of Collegiate Edu-Nation. “He understands rural systems at a deep level, leads with integrity, and brings a rare ability to align education, workforce, and community partners around a shared vision. Jeff’s leadership will help accelerate our mission and expand high-quality pathways for learners across the state.”
Most recently, Walker served as Executive Director of Partners for Rural Impact (PRI) in East Texas, where he led collaborative efforts to align education, workforce, and community systems to better support students and families. In this role, he worked closely with school districts, community organizations, higher education partners, and regional leaders to elevate collective impact and deepen postsecondary and career readiness in rural regions.
Prior to PRI, Walker served as Director of an Alternative Education Campus within a five-district cooperative, focusing on credit recovery, individualized postsecondary navigation, and community partnership-building to support at-risk students. Earlier in his career, he served as both a teacher and principal in East Texas public schools—experiences that continue to shape his commitment to student-centered systems change.
Outgoing President Dr. Rachael McClain reflected on the leadership transition, stating, “It has been an honor to serve Collegiate Edu-Nation during a period of growth and impact. Jeff’s deep understanding of rural communities, combined with his collaborative leadership style, positions him well to carry this work forward. I am confident in his ability to lead CEN into its next chapter while staying grounded in our mission and values.”
Walker expressed a strong sense of purpose in stepping into the role, emphasizing the importance of aligned systems and shared responsibility. “I believe deeply that when educational systems, community leaders, and regional partners come together with a shared purpose, it unlocks better pathways for students and their families to achieve lasting economic mobility,” said Walker. “At a time when our economy and workforce are changing faster than ever, I feel a strong responsibility to champion this work. It’s my calling and my purpose.”
As President, Walker will focus on leading with clarity, empowering rural leaders, and strengthening the partnerships and infrastructure needed to expand high-quality education and workforce pathways across Texas.
Walker holds a Bachelor of Science from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University.
About Collegiate Edu-Nation
Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN) is a Texas-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming rural education and workforce systems through innovative pathways that connect learners to postsecondary credentials, high-demand careers, and long-term economic mobility.
