Beloved Painting Professor Passes Away

It is with great sadness that the department informs you that Professor Pat Walker passed away early this morning.
Her Memorial Service is being planned for Saturday, February 21st at 2pm in Savannah, Georgia. 

Pat‘s presence will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Professor Patricia J. Walker received her M.F.A. from Cornell University (1987) in Painting having completed a thesis on the Psychological Aspects of Figures and Environments. Professor Walkerreceived her B.F.A. from Rhode Island School of Design (1985) in Painting and an A.A. from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (1970) in Illustration. ProfessorWalker joined the faculty in the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art as an assistant professor in 1989 and was promoted to full professor in 1990.

Professor Walker has been a mentor and professional role model for students in the BFSDoArt for over two decades. Her passion for teaching and learning has inspired countless numbers of young visual artists in the department. Pat’s mentoring, guidance and support has enabled those young artists to attain their professional goals. The course content and curriculum Pat developed during her tenure continues to be a relevant and effective pedagogical approach to the discipline.

As a professional painter, Professor Walker’s work has been shown in more than (70) juried, invitational and solo exhibitions across the Southeast as well as nationally and internationally. Throughout her entire academic career, she has been a prolific visual artist with a passion for painting. Professor Walker set a high professional standard for herself, her students and colleagues in the department. A quote from a series of work entitled, Ilse of Hope, describes her artistic intention and source of inspiration.

“My own greatest sense of peace comes when walking as I look at nature… During this time when people feel so alienated, it seems important to pursue making images that heal…”

Professor Walker’s service to the Department or Art, the College of Liberal Arts Social and Sciences and Georgia Southern University has been exemplary. During her tenure, Pat served on over (80+) departmental, college and university committees, chairing many of them. She was also an active member of the BFSDoArt MFA Graduate Faculty throughout her career.

More details regarding Pat‘s Memorial Service will follow. If you would like to share your memories of Pat or offer your condolences to her family, please email art@georgiasouthern.edu.