Texas Tech University

Distinguished Engineer Citations

                 
Distinguished Engineer Photo: Margaret R. Walker
Margaret R. Walker

Margaret R. Walker

Distinguished Engineer

1996

Degree

Chemical Engineering – 1974

 

Citation

At Time of Nomination in 1996

Margaret R. "Maggi" Walker was born in Houston, Texas, where she attended elementary and secondary school. In 1974, she graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering.

Ms. Walker’s impressive career with The Dow Chemical Company began after graduation from Texas Tech. Her first position with the company was working in Freeport, Texas, developing an area–based process for cattle feed in a research pilot plant. Two years later, she moved into a manufacturing assignment in a chlorine plant, successfully completing a plant modernization. She later moved to a larger chlorine plant, where she worked on the same process. For the next two years, Ms. Walker held various positions in the human resources area, including training and compensation management.

In 1984, she was named superintendent of the hydroxyalkyl acrylate plant, which received the Q–1 Quality Recognition from Ford under her leadership. She became superintendent of Epoxy II in 1986; this responsibility was expanded to include Epoxy Distribution, Business Services, and Maintenance in 1992. That year, her family transferred to Midland, Michigan, where she became supply chain manager in chlor–alkali and chlorine derivatives. Ms. Walker was named director of Material Management for Performance Products in 1993. In 1995, she was named to her current position of business director for the Contract Manufacturing Services business.

Despite her busy career, Ms. Walker finds time for very family–focused activities. She leads a den of Webelo scouts and facilitates in the Youth Ministry program at her church. Also, she is a D–license soccer coach and volunteers with her son’s soccer team. Ms. Walker mentors young people in her community and volunteers in her school system. She says about herself, "The only award which I have received in my lifetime and the most meaningful is the award that my children give me every day when they call me ‘Mom.’."

Although her personal and professional life is very full, Ms. Walker still finds time to be a part of Texas Tech University. She is a member of the College Engineering Dean’s Council, the Chemical Engineering Academy, and the Chemical Engineering Industry Advisory Board. In addition, she has visited campus to speak to the student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers.

Ms. Walker and her husband, Don, who is global business manager in the phenal acetone and epoxy intermediates business for The Dow Chemical Company are the proud parents of two boys, Tony and Timothy.

We are indeed honored to name Margaret R. Walker a DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER of Texas Tech University.

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