Katie Jo Walter ’09

Originally from Ohio, Katie Jo’s journey to Lewis & Clark College as a first-generation, non-traditional student was driven by a lifelong desire to experience and learn from diversity, a stark contrast to her rural upbringing. After years in music retail management across the U.S., including Phoenix and Charlotte, she immersed herself in Lewis & Clark’s International Affairs program. Her time as a student was marked by active participation in the International Affairs Symposium, writing for the Pioneer Log student newspaper, and contributing poetry to Polyglot. She credits the mentorship of Lewis & Clark faculty, emeriti, and administration, along with transformative courses, with helping her earn the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru and Kathryn Wasserman Davis 100 Projects for Peace grant awards for her work in India, shaping her overall academic and career path.

Katie Jo’s deeply impactful connection to L&C’s India program, both as a student participant and later as an alumna co-leading it, laid the groundwork for her extensive career in international education. After completing her MA in International Education from SIT Graduate Institute and various roles including an L&C Financial Aid Advisor, she spent several years in India focusing on experiential education program design and delivery.

With over 15 years in international education and advancement, including a decade in alumni and parent engagement, Katie Jo’s expertise spans both U.S. and global contexts. Her recent tenure as Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations at Woodstock School in India saw her successfully revitalize philanthropic efforts post-pandemic and establish a global alumni ambassador program. At the University of Oregon previously, she was instrumental in expanding international alumni engagement through innovative digital outreach, new chapters, and engaging educational tours. Katie Jo’s broad experience also includes instructing university courses and serving as Resident Director for study abroad programs in India.

“I love helping people connect with each other, learn, and discover new resources and avenues for growth,” Katie Jo affirms. “The L&C community is brimming with opportunities for this kind of connection, and I am excited to be one of the people at L&C charged with making that happen!” She cherishes L&C for its unique provision of opportunity, mentorship, and empowering support, and is invigorated by the College’s strategic initiatives, finding them deeply resonant with the community’s values.

Now residing in Portland, a short distance from campus, Katie Jo shares her home with her husband Bob and their beloved terrier mix rescue dog, who journeyed with them to and from India. Her leisure time is spent hiking, attending concerts, practicing yoga, and making return trips to India to immerse herself in festivals and visit her adopted family.

Additional Information

Pronouns: she/her

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