Lawrence Walkup

James Lawrence Walkup (February 26, 1914 – August 7, 2002) was an American academic administrator who served as the eleventh president of Northern Arizona University from 1957 to 1979. He developed the school from a teachers' college to one with 152 degree specializations.

Early life and education Walkup was born in Wheeling, Missouri to college-educated parents, John L. and Jessie D. Walkup. He had two brothers named Allen and Lucian and attended the Wheeling Baptist Church. He graduated from high school in 1932 as the salutatorian of his class. In 1936, he earned a bachelor's degree from Central Missouri State College, where he majored in chemical and biological sciences. He earned a Master of Science degree in science education from the University of Missouri.

Career After college, he became an educator of math, science, and commerce, eventually becoming superintendent in Blackburn, Missouri. He served in the United States Navy as a course analyst for cadet training during World War II.

Northern Arizona University Early leadership In 1948, Walkup earned his doctorate degree from the University of Missouri and was recruited by Lacey Eastburn to come to Arizona State College, now known as NAU, as an instructor. One of his first duties was to become director of the college's elementary school. In 1950, he became the head of the education department, the director of placement and the chair of the graduate council. In 1951, he became a Dean of Instruction and developed a whole new curriculum to re-attain the program's accreditation from the North Central Association. He also developed the college's new graduate program.