Arthur (Sam) Walton

Dr. Arthur "Sam" Walton is a native of Buffalo, New York. His favorite pastimes include tennis, music, golf and reading. He attended Buffalo State Teachers College and transferred to the State University of New York at Albany where he received his B.A., M.A., M.S., CAS, and Ph.D. degrees. He holds permanent New York State certifications in school district administration and teaching (7-12 social studies).

Dr. Walton has served as the Founding Director of and an Associate Professor in the Graduate Educational Leadership Program at St. John Fisher College. Dr. Walton is also the founding Director and a full Professor in the Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) Program in Executive Leadership. He is also the founder and Director of the Urban Institute for School Leadership; the founder and CEO of the Center for Excellence in Education; the Founding Dean in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education at St. John Fisher College, and Director for the Rochester Leadership Academy.

Dr. Walton has been a professional educator for more than 40 years. During this period, he has been a public school teacher, a university administrator and faculty member, and Superintendent of Schools in the Albany City and Berkshire Union Free School Districts. Dr. Walton also worked in the New York State Education Department for 15 years where he served in a variety of leadership roles, including Deputy Commissioner for Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education; Deputy Commissioner for New York City Schools; and Director and Bureau Chief for Higher and Professional Education Programs.

Dr. Walton has served as a consultant to a number of New York State and federal agencies, and school districts in New York State and the nation. He has received numerous awards and citations for his leadership and service in education. Dr. Walton also has been a keynote speaker and presented papers at numerous national and state conventions; conducted workshops and seminars for thousands of school teachers and leaders; provided technical assistance and evaluation services to school districts across the country; published widely on a variety of educational topics; and assisted in the writing, passage, and implementation of a wide range of State and federal legislative initiatives leading to significant funding increases in bilingual education, special education, P-12 education, professional and higher education, and after-school programs.

Dr. Walton has dedicated his entire career to improving the quality of life for children and families in underserved communities.

Publications

• Walton & Murphy “Program Report and Rejoinder for National Accreditation”, National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), Spring and Summer 2003. Received national recognition for accreditation for the St. John Fisher College Educational Administration Program, August 2003.
• Walton “Expert Witness Declaration for the Ravenswood City School District”, United States District Court, Northern District of California, August 2002.
• Walton “Proposal for the Urban School Leadership Institute”, United States Department of Education, July 2002.
• Walton “Relentless Engagement in Pursuit of Excellence”, Josh Lofton High School Redesign
• Plan, New York State Education Department, March 2002.
  Walton “Moving Towards Excellence”, Josh Lofton High School Redesign Project Needs
• Assessment, New York state Education Department, February 2002.
  Walton & Murphy “Assessment Center Model for Effective Leadership Development”, Leadership Academy of the Genesee Region, August 2001.
• Walton & Murphy “Effective School Leadership”, Leadership Academy of the Genesee Region, July 2001.
• Walton & Murphy “Model for an Effective Mentorship Program”, Leadership Academy of the Genesee Region, June 2001.
• Walton “Disproportionate Representation of Minorities in Special Education”, Doctoral Dissertation, University at Albany, September 2000.
• Walton “High Expectations and Standards of Excellence for All”, New York State Empire Advantage Program Proposal, June 2000.
• Walton “School Safety and Security,” Times Union, Special Edition, 1996.
• Walton “The Compact for Learning and Congruence in Education,” Teaching Partners, Vol. 3, No. 2, Spring 1992.
• Walton “Implementing the New Compact”, NYS School Boards, Albany, New York, October 1991.
• Meno, Sobol, Walton “The New Compact for Learning,” The New York State Education Department, Albany, New York, March 1991.
• Walton (Contributor) “Working To Improve Schools”, University at Albany Magazine, Vol. 4, No. 1, Summer 1990.
• Walton (Contributor) “Alumni Forum,” Reflections, A newsletter of the Department of
  Educational Administration, University at Albany, State University of New York Vol. 1, No. 1, Spring 1989.
• Walton “Increasing Minority Access to the Licensed Professions: A Regents Action Paper,” The University of the State of New York, The State Education Department, Albany, New York. February 24, 1984.
• Walton “Career Education: An Analysis of the Regulations and P. L. 95-207,” Insight, Reston, Virginia: The Council for Exceptional Children, Vol. 2, February 24, 1978, pp. 5-6.
• Walton “Carter Signs Youth Employment Bill: An Analysis of the Youth Employment and Demonstration Project Act of 1997,” Insight, Reston, Virginia: The Council for Exceptional Children, Vol. II, November 28, 1977, pp. 3-4.
• Walton “Program Accessibility Must Occur Immediately: The Interrelationship between Section 504 and P.L. 94-142.” Insight, Reston, Virginia: The Council for the Exceptional Children, Vol. II, November 28, 1977, pp. 3-4.
• Walton “Architectural Accessibility for the Handicapped in Institutions of Higher Education,” The Exchange, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, September 1977.
  Walton “Career Ed Bill Awaits Senate Action: An Analysis of H. R. 7,” Insight, Reston, Virginia: The Council for Exceptional Children, Vol. 9, September 30, 1977, pp. 4-5.