Nashville, Tenn. — Fisk University is proud to announce the appointment of Tonya Walker as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), bringing more than two decades of experience in higher education financial leadership to the institution.

Walker most recently served as CFO at Simmons College of Kentucky, where she played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the institution’s financial strategy. Her previous roles include Controller and Interim Budget Director at Kentucky State University, where she contributed to the institution’s financial stewardship and long-term planning.

“Stepping into the CFO role at Fisk is a deeply meaningful moment for me—not just professionally, but personally,” said Walker. “My passion for higher education, especially within the HBCU community, drives my commitment to ensuring Fisk’s financial strength and sustainability. I see this as an opportunity to steward resources in a way that honors the University’s remarkable legacy while positioning it for continued growth and impact for generations to come.”

Walker’s appointment reflects Fisk University’s continued commitment to fiscal excellence and strategic growth. With her deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), she is uniquely positioned to help guide Fisk’s financial future.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Walker to the Fisk University community.

Fisk University is a highly-ranked historically Black university, according to U.S. News and World Report, and is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee. Fisk’s outstanding faculty and students continue to enhance the University’s international reputation for academic excellence. Fisk’s scholars continue to make strides in all areas of the industry from Social Justice to the sciences. A Fisk education prepares students to become beacons in servicing the community and well-rounded leaders and scholars in their respective fields. Fisk offers more than 20+ undergraduate and graduate programs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Clinical Psychology with a bridge Masters to Ph.D. program through a partnership with Vanderbilt University. For more information, visit fisk.edu.