New Center at Howard University to Honor Ronald Walters

Howard University, the historically black educational institution in the nation’s capital, has announced the establishment of the Ronald W. Walters Center on campus. Walters was a civil rights activist, columnist, author, and educator. He died last fall at the age of 72.

According to the university, the new center “will examine the role of African Americans in the development of U.S. foreign policy; the impact of globalization on the African-American community; and the role of African Americans in U.S. presidential and congressional politics." Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau stated, “Through this center, his name, his spirit, and his work will live on as we prepare others to follow in his footsteps and impact the world as much as he did.”

Dr. Walters was a graduate of Fisk University. He earned a master’s degree in African studies and a Ph.D. in international studies at American University in Washington, D.C. In the early 1970s, Walters joined the faculty at Howard University and later chaired the political science department. He moved to the University of Maryland in 1996.

At the time of his death he was professor emeritus of government and politics at the University of Maryland and director of the African-American Leadership Institute. He was planning to return to Howard University as a senior research fellow.

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