Teresa Walker has an interesting story to tell. As administrative assistant to the dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, she works side by side with faculty during the day and takes MBA classes at night.

Walker came to Elon in 1999, working for the physical therapy department. She transferred to her current position in the business school in October 2000 and enrolled in the MBA program that same year. She plans to graduate this December.

At work, one of Walker's largest roles is to assist Dean John Burbridge with various functions of the business school and the local business community. She also works on faculty contracts, budgets, plans for the Jefferson Pilot Business Fellows program and all sorts of office issues.

Student in the spotlight
Walker says that it can be difficult to change gears after work when it's time for class. "You have to become Teresa the student versus Teresa the administrative assistant," she explains. In class, she does not hesitate to ask for additional guidance when she needs it or to voice her opinion when necessary. "I have that right as a student," she says.

Sometimes Walker feels that she's put in the spotlight because her professors are also her colleagues. She says this just makes her work harder to prove herself. "I just have to go that extra mile, to make sure that no one makes any allowances," she says. "And trust me, they do not!"

Walker's day starts at 8 a.m. and does not stop until her homework is finished. She makes the most of her lunch break by eating, studying, reading, and finishing up homework assignments. After work, she attends class from 6-9 p.m. one to two days a week.

Family time
When she's not at work or in class, Walker spends as much time as possible with her family. Her daughter, Anna, is 7 years old. Walker says that her husband, Garth, has been very supportive and has really pitched in at home.

"As far as helping with homework and other activities around the house, he is even more excited about me finishing the program than I am," she says with a smile. Walker's original goal was to finish the MBA program by the time Anna turned 10, and she will finish two years ahead of schedule.

With an undergraduate degree in industry and business from Appalachian State University and her upcoming MBA, Walker is not sure what she will do after graduation. "December is right around the corner, so right now, I'm just focused on finishing this degree!"