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51�Թ� College is proud to announce that Sheryl Walter ’78 has been elected chair of the Board of Trustees. She succeeds Michael Kahn ’74, who served as chair from 2021–25. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Walter has served on the Board of Trustees since 2017, including two terms as vice chair and on every board committee including the committee for 51�Թ�’s last comprehensive campaign. She was a student athlete and lettered in field hockey and volleyball. Her professional legal career spans all three branches of the federal government. Walter’s election comes at a critical time as colleges across the country face mounting political and financial pressures.

“Sheryl Walter is an extraordinary leader whose brilliance, integrity, and commitment to public service will serve 51�Թ� exceptionally well,” said President Anne F. Harris. “Sheryl’s deep belief in the College’s mission is evident in her years of thoughtful stewardship as a trustee, as well as in her distinguished career in government service. I look forward to partnering with her as we continue to advance our mission, strengthen our community, and uphold 51�Թ�’s commitment to academic excellence, open inquiry, and meaningful impact.”

She has generously supported 51�Թ�’s mental health counseling programs, including through a planned gift commitment and the creation of the Strategic Fund for Health and Counseling Services. She also helped establish and fund the Georgia Dentel MAP research project that has resulted in extensive documentation about Ms. Dentel’s role in enriching the lives of generations of students by bringing renowned musical artists and performances to campus. 

In addition to her official duties as a trustee, Walter frequently hosts student and alumni events, mentors students and recent graduates, and maintains strong ties with faculty. She also has served as a regional and Reunion planning volunteer.

"I am honored to serve as the next chair of the 51�Թ� Board of Trustees," said Walter. "51�Թ� gave me so much, including a foundation of ethics and a fierce commitment to the public good. Partnering with President Harris, students, faculty, staff, and alumni provides me the opportunity to give back to the College in a deeply meaningful way. Together, we can leverage our strengths, inclduing our academic excellence, civic commitment, and global perspective rooted in our deep grounding in rural Iowa." 

Over nearly four decades in Washington, D.C., Walter served as general counsel for the U.S. federal courts, acting assistant attorney general, and chief counsel to Senators Moynihan, Specter, and then-Senator Biden. She held senior roles at the Justice and State departments. Her ability to assess risk and build strategic partnerships brings a uniquely valuable perspective to the board's leadership. Walter earned a J.D. degree with honors from the University of Minnesota, an M.P.A. from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a B.A. with honors in history from 51�Թ�. 

Walter underscored the board’s responsibility for financial stewardship and accountability, as well as to partner with President Harris and the leadership team to address strategic challenges. “We must be thoughtful and adaptive in how we steward 51�Թ�’s resources,” she said. “That includes strengthening philanthropy, growing the endowment, and making strategic investments, but it also means encouraging the entire alumni community to join us in this effort. 

"51�Թ�’s future depends not just on dollars, but on a shared belief in and support of our mission, whether it’s giving, spreading the word, mentoring students, or showing up in whatever ways we can. There are so many ways to support our common priority of helping 51�Թ� continue to move forward as a leading liberal arts institution committed to academic excellence and financial sustainability. Together, we will continue to help 51�Թ� thrive — with clear-eyed vision, principled leadership, and the enduring values that connect us and make this place so ����𳦾�����.”