By Ozzy Duarte
From overseeing residence hall renovations to supporting students throughout their college experience, Teddi Walker's role as director of Residence Life goes beyond managing campus housing.
For the past five years, Walker has led the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Residence Life program, overseeing the operations and projects that shape students' on-campus living experiences. Although her position is not primarily focused on direct student support, Walker makes herself available to students who need someone to talk to or turn to for help. She strives to provide a safe and welcoming space for people on campus while balancing the administrative responsibilities that come with her position.
Walker's path to higher education was not always clear. She originally considered pursuing veterinary work before discovering an interest in student affairs through her experience as a resident assistant at Northern Arizona University. That experience eventually led her to a career in university housing and, ultimately, to Alaska and UAF.
Photo by Ozzy Duarte
Teddi at desk smiling.
Today, Walker balances meetings, reports and planned renovations alongside her responsibilities supporting students and overseeing Residence Life. More recently, she has also taken on the role of interim director for the Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability while the university searches for a permanent replacement.
One of the projects currently on her plate is an upcoming renovation of Cutler Hall, planned to begin in Summer 2027. Walker explained that preparing for the project involves coordinating with multiple university departments and gathering information for approval.
"For instance, we have a renovation that's coming up for Cutler Hall this summer," Walker explained. "That's something that, you know, I worked with DD&C and other people in finance, so financial services and stuff. We've all been gathering data, putting together reports, presentations that then they take to the Board of Regents to get approved."
She also discussed possibilities for expanding UAF's housing options in the future, particularly through additional apartment-style housing.
"Something that's a focus for us moving forward and something that we've been talking to the Board of Regents in the state about a lot is our apartment-style housing," Walker said. "Like looking at, you know, expanding offerings for graduate students. And also one-bedrooms could also be an option for juniors and seniors too."
Despite her commitment to students and the university, managing these responsibilities can be stressful. Walker has to balance the many responsibilities and needs of the campus, both within and outside of Residence Life.
"I mean, there's things that are stressful. I'm not gonna lie or pretend like every day is like an awesome day. There are days where I go home, and I'm very frustrated, but usually it might be the volume of work, or maybe it's just a lot of challenges that all happen at once," she said.
She added that one of the most frustrating parts of the job is when opportunities to improve the student experience are overlooked.
"I guess the thing that is maybe more, most frustrating is if we can't… if it feels like another department or area isn't seeing or open to hearing how maybe things could be improved to help improve the student experience."
Even with the challenges that come with her position, Walker finds fulfillment in the relationships she builds and the opportunity to see others succeed.
"I guess it's just having those people connections and feeling like you've had a touch point on their journey of where they are today," she said. "So it's kind of fun to see everybody else's successes and all the things they're doing and the positive that they're doing out there too."
So what was it about UAF that convinced Walker to stay and eventually become its director of Residence Life? She said she was drawn to the commitment and passion she saw in the people around her. She appreciated how much employees cared about the university and its students, as well as their shared desire to make the institution better.
"When I came here and I did my interview and when I started working here, I was impressed by how committed and passionate people are for the students here and for UAF," Walker said. "There's a lot of pride in being a part of UAF and there's, like when you meet directors or people who work in all different offices, there's so many people who care so deeply about the institution and about students, and they're really passionate about making UAF, continuing to make UAF better and better."
Through her work in Residence Life, Walker continues to contribute to the student experience at UAF, balancing the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of campus housing with the personal connections that make the university community meaningful.