“If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.” This is the motto of the dedicated, determined, perseverant and faithful Mary Walkins, associate professor in mathematics at Lee University.

In a quiet corner in the basement of the Beach Building, you can find the office of the quiet yet passionate, Walkins. A dedicated follower of Christ, Dr. Walkins has a passion for those in need whether it is in areas concerning mathematics or fulfilling God’s will.

Originally from Trinidad, Dr. Walkins started her career at Lee as an undergraduate student in the fall of 1984. She was a member of the New Testament Church of God in Trinidad and heard about Lee from her church because of its affiliation with the Church of God Headquarters in Cleveland. “When I arrived at Lee my freshman year, I was a couple years older than my classmates and had already completed two years of higher education in Trinidad,” said Walkins. “I did not get as homesick as most people would assume because I felt that it was God’s timing for me to be at Lee; I rested in that peace.”

Initially planning on studying Christian education, at Lee Dr. Walkins chose to double major in mathematics and Christian education. After earning her undergraduate degree, she realized that her initial dreams of Christian education could be implemented through teaching mathematics, so she continued her education by getting a master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics from Northeastern University in Boston.

Before arriving at Lee to teach full-time in 1992, Dr. Walkins had gained teaching experience while serving as a teaching assistant for 5 years at Northeastern University. While pursuing her master’s and Ph.D. degrees, she was responsible for teaching one class each quarter. During 4 of the 5 years in Boston, she also worked on a steady part-time basis as an administrative assistant at Harvard University’s Undergraduate Government Tutorial Office; during her remaining year, she worked at Northeastern’s Disability Resource Center as a note-taker/scribe.

Reflecting on her time in Boston, Dr. Walkins did manage to have leisure time and made efforts to experience the city on a non-academic level. “On a lighter note, every Friday afternoon, I enjoyed taking the train or bus to downtown Boston. I greatly enjoyed the city. What I liked most was seeing people from many different races and nationalities,” she said.

Dedication to her work and to the Lord, determination and perseverance are what got this accomplished teacher to the place that she is today. “Being where God wants me to be – that is my focus,” said Walkins. “I have a peace about where I am and what I am doing.”

As a mathematics professor, Dr. Walkins has been a familiar member of the faculty of Lee University for over ten years. She recently returned to the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics as a full-time professor in the fall of 2006 after being adjunct for two years prior. It was during her time as an adjunct faculty member that she pursed interests and passions of her own: she traveled to Haiti, taught Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics at the former Pan African Theological College in Ghana, and actively participated in serving the community.

“I felt the need to ‘take a break’ from academia to stir up other latent talents that reside in me,” she said. “Particularly, I ministered to shut-ins both voluntarily and for small pay. I sang to, encouraged and prayed with the residents of various long-term care facilities. What started out as community service, ministering to the shut-ins, turned into part of my life’s calling.”

Community service is something that is very close to the heart of Dr. Walkins and it is one of the ways that she is able to live out her motto. Currently she continues her ministry among various nursing home and assisted living facilities in town.

Not only does serving the community fulfill her motto, but serving and ministering to students at Lee does as well. This semester, an additional duty of being a strengths advisor for the university was added to her job description. New students are encouraged to take a StrengthsFinder test that produces a list of the top 5 personality strengths of the student. After the test is taken, Dr. Walkins helps students realize their strengths and see how they can use them in terms of a career. “The opportunity to see students daily, have a one-on-one connection with them inside and outside of the classroom and see when their moment of discovery takes place is the most rewarding part of my job,” said Dr. Walkins.

It is evident that through her current campus and community involvement that Dr. Walkins has the heart of a servant. This passion also carries over into her hopes for the future. “Being obedient and faithful to the Lord makes having future plans difficult; however, I am willing to go wherever He leads me.”

Dr. Walkins motto, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain,” is what she truly lives out in whatever she does.

Posted on - 7/28/08