Walker, Harry O.

Dates:

Biographical notes:

Harry O. Walker was a faculty member in the College of Agricultural and Environmental and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis from 1955-1990. His Aerial Study of Natural Resources of California course introduced students to western geography, natural resource issues, and urban development via a "flying classroom."

From the description of Harry O. Walker slide collection, ca. 1965-1992. (University of California, Davis). WorldCat record id: 55663390

Biography/History

Harry O. Walker received a B.S. in 1947 and an M.S. in 1950 in Agricultural Education from the University of California, Davis. He also received an Ed.D in Curriculum Development from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the faculty of the University of California, Davis in 1955. During his career he devised and instituted the following courses: Natural Resources of California; Concepts in Renewable Natural Resources; Energy, Man, and the Environment; Energy, Options and Issues; and Alaska by Air, a University Extension course.

His Aerial Study of Natural Resources of California course introduced students to western geography, natural resource issues and urban development via a "flying classroom." The course consisted of two hours of lecture and discussion each week and one day long flight in a six passenger aircraft. Flight routes varied according to the topics selected but generally fell within the geographical borders of California. Students were required to complete written reports and give inflight presentations via inter-aircraft radio communication.

Walker also headed the Exploratory Program in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, which was created to assist students with career decisions and major courses of study. He retired from the University in 1990.

In addition, he served as mayor of Woodland, California and as chair of the Agricultural Science Advisory Board for the California Energy Commission.

From the guide to the Harry O. Walker Slide Collection, 1958-1989, (University of California, Davis. General Library. Department of Special Collections.)