Education

B.A., College of Communication & Information Sciences – Advertising, The University of Alabama
M.B.A., D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University
Marketing A.I. Certificate, Cornell University
National Security Certificate, National War College
Teaching with AI Certificate, Auburn University (Biggio Center)

Background

As an independent branding consultant, Kristin Walker has collaborated with a number of organizations, including the NFL, Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Air and Space Forces Association, Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families, US Foods, Akima, and EventWorks 4D. 

Walker's career includes roles at McCann WorldGroup's New York headquarters and the Cirlot Agency, working with clients like L'Oreal Paris, Wendy's, Northrop Grumman, and Bell Helicopter, focusing on strategic communication and innovative marketing technologies.

Awards

2022 Outstanding Alumna — Advertising, College of Communication & Information Sciences, The University of Alabama

Research and Areas of Interest

Walker’s teaching focuses on integrated communications, artificial intelligence and consumer insights. She explores how marketers can adapt strategies to attract customers while optimizing for AI driven systems that shape how information is found and consumed.

Her work emphasizes uncovering insights that help brands build deep emotional connections with target consumers. Walker prepares students to navigate industry shifts, leveraging emerging technologies and data to craft impactful, consumer focused strategies and creative solutions.

Teaching

Walker is dedicated to developing students into world-class professionals, equipping them with innovative tools, practical case studies and immersive real-world experiences. Her teaching emphasizes a hands-on approach, structuring classroom settings to mimic real-world agency teams and in-house marketing environments that focus on problem-solving and creative strategies to address real-world client challenges. Walker prioritizes driving consumer insights, mastering integrated marketing communications strategies and cultivating a deep understanding of client service. She seeks to inspire passion for the industry, preparing students to make an immediate impact from their very first day on the job.

Service

Walker serves as the academic advisor for the Student Advertising Club at USC, educational chair for the American Advertising Federation Midlands Chapter and supporting advisor for CreateAthon@USC. She is also a dedicated mentor to students, providing guidance and support as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.

With over 20 years of experience as a U.S. Air Force officer spouse, Walker brings a unique perspective to her teaching and service. As deputy command spouse at Shaw Air Force Base, she works closely with the command team to connect airmen and their families with essential resources, while fostering stronger relationships between the base and the local community.

Personal

Outside of teaching and consulting, Walker enjoys sports, reading, painting and family time.  A former D1 soccer player at The University of Alabama, she supports her three daughters in travel soccer alongside her husband at their local club in Columbia.