Valerie Walls serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she brings over 11 years of extensive experience in human resources management to the classroom. In her role, she teaches MGT 555 - Foundations of Effective Leadership, a pivotal course within...
Valerie Walls serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she brings over 11 years of extensive experience in human resources management to the classroom. In her role, she teaches MGT 555 - Foundations of Effective Leadership, a pivotal course within the Masters of Science in Management & Human Resources program. Valerie’s professional journey has been marked by significant achievements at renowned organizations such as Mars, Scripps Networks, Sovereign Bank/Santander, and Y-12 Federal Credit Union, where she honed her expertise in leadership, organizational development, and labor relations.
In her current position, Valerie is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of HR leaders by integrating real-world insights and strategic thinking into her curriculum. Her teaching methodology emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and succession planning, equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate complex personnel management challenges. Valerie’s strong business acumen allows her to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of performance appraisal systems and human resources information systems (HRIS), ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.
Key projects that Valerie has spearheaded include initiatives focused on process improvement and executive management training, which not only enhance organizational effectiveness but also foster a culture of continuous learning and development. By leveraging her extensive background in problem-solving and organizational strategy, Valerie inspires her students to think critically and innovate within the human resources field. Her commitment to excellence in education and her passion for developing future leaders make her an invaluable asset to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.