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Dr. Arthur “Sam” Walton is a native of Buffalo, New York. His favorite pastimes include tennis, music, and reading. He attended Buffalo State Teachers College and transferred to the State University of New York at Albany where he received his B.A., M.A., M.S., CAS, and Ph.D. degrees. He holds permanent New York State certifications in school district administration and teaching (7-12 social studies).

Dr. Walton has served as the Founding Director of and an Associate Professor in the Graduate Educational Administration Program at St. John Fisher College. Dr Walton is also the founding Director and a full Professor in the Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) Program in Executive Leadership. He is also the founder and Director of the Urban Institute for School Leadership; the founder and CEO of the Center for Excellence in Education; and the Founding Dean in the School of Education at St. John Fisher College.

Dr. Walton has been a professional educator for more than 35 years. During this period, he has been a public school teacher, a university administrator and faculty member, and Superintendent of Schools in the Albany City and Berkshire Union Free School Districts. Dr. Walton also worked in the New York State Education Department for 15 years where he served in a variety of leadership roles, including Deputy Commissioner for Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education; Deputy Commissioner for New York City Schools; and Director and Bureau Chief for Higher and Professional Education Programs.

Dr. Walton has served as a consultant to a number of New York State and federal agencies, and urban school districts in New York State and the nation; and served as an expert witness in a number of major court cases. He has received numerous awards and citations for his leadership and service in education. Dr. Walton also has been a keynote speaker and presented papers at numerous national and state conventions; conducted workshops and seminars for thousands of school teachers and leaders; provided technical assistance and evaluation services to school districts across the country; published widely on a variety of educational topics; and assisted in the writing, passage, and implementation of a wide range of State and federal legislative initiatives leading to significant funding increases in bilingual education, special education, P-12 education, professional and higher education, and after-school programs.

Dr. Walton has dedicated his entire career to improving the quality of life for children and families who have been placed at risk.