Megan Beck | Staff Writer

Mike Walker, the new Buena Vista University Counselor, is ready to provide students with a variety of services to help them during their college experience.

Replacing Mandy Boothby in the Student Affairs Office, Walker says students can visit with him to talk through issues they may be having on a wide variety of topics, including mental health, homesickness, substance abuse, roommate conflicts, academics, or relationship issues.

“One of the biggest things I help students with is understanding their identity and who they are, which is important in a time of large transition,” Walker said.

Before coming to BVU, Walker worked as a mental health and substance abuse counselor in Dallas. After receiving his license, he began to look for other jobs in higher education. Once coming to campus and meeting the staff during the interview process, he knew BVU was the right decision.

“My wife is from Council Bluffs, so we were very comfortable with coming to Iowa,” Walker said. “I liked the people I met [at BVU], and I felt like it was the best fit.”

Walker assists students in finding services to help get connected on campus. Students unfamiliar with the campus community can contact Walker about where to go for a particular activity, campus organization meeting, or an alternative service.

For anyone interested in scheduling an appointment with Walker, his office is located in Student Affairs in the Forum, and his hours are 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Students can also contact him via email at [email protected].