EOP Trailblazer, Dr. Walter Hawkins

Dr. Walter Hawkins served as an administrator at CSU, San Bernardino for thirty-three years. During his tenure at CSUSB, he was the Upward Bound Director, the EOP Director, and the Director of Research & Policy Analysis Office (RPAO).

He was introduced to TRIO programs and EOP in 1970 while earning his MSW degree at San Diego State University.

In 1974, CSUSB was recruiting for a Director for their Upward Bound Program. After obtaining the position, Hawkins served as the Upward Bound Director for two years and later became EOP Director.
After becoming EOP Director, CSUSB had some of the same issues that programs faced at many CSU campuses. However, due to positive staff and support, the EOP was able to accomplish several goals and develop a successful program. This includes developing campus policies that were student orientated, like financial aid and housing, writing grants to expand services to students which is known as Student Assistance in Learning, and developing support systems with community organizations and parent groups.

The EOP grew over time from two programs in Student Services to a strong Undergraduate Studies housed in Academic Affairs. Hawkins and his staff laid the foundation in EOP by being forward thinking and developing a systematic organization.

Hawkins believes the EOP is a program that should continue to evolve as an essential service that will be true to its roots. The State needs to reconstitute a department like the California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC). The need for data to evaluate postsecondary education outcomes will continue. We will need to ensure that Californians will always have access to an appropriate level of institutions and programs to meet their higher education needs.