Three members of the ANU faculty – Derrick Aboagye, Angel Rios, and Joy Walker – have been named the recipients of our Bi-Annual Faculty Instructional Excellence Award of 2021. Twice each year program chairs, deans, and direct managers undergo the nomination process, seeking individuals who embody ANU’s values. Nominees must display a commitment to teaching and to their students; an engaging, encouraging, active teaching approach to ensure students are intellectually stimulated; the ability to effectively communicate with students; and a positive, lasting impact on students. Earning this award is how we recognize members of the faculty who embody these ANU values.
Dr. Derrick Aboagye completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Health Promotions and Master of Arts degree in Human Services with specialization in Health and Wellness Counseling both Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. and obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Hampton University. He worked for CVS Pharmacy for 14 years starting as a pharmacy associate, certified pharmacy technician, and eventually becoming a pharmacist. He also served as the Pharmacy Technician Program Director for Old Dominion Job Corps Center and Stratford University before joining American National University where he now serves as the Dean for the Pharmacy Technician Program.
Dr. Angel Rios joined ANU in October 2021. Across his 19 years of experience in the private and public sector, Dr. Rios held many positions in accounting strategy and business operations. Dr. Rios was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to the mainland United States about 21 years ago upon joining the United States Army and completing his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He currently lives in Texas. Dr. Rios holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in Public Business from Northcentral University and two Master’s, one with a concentration in Accounting and Finance and the other in Business Management from American Intercontinental University. He currently serves as a professor for American National University, teaching courses in accounting and finance at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Joy Walker, MPH, Esq. received her Bachelor of Science degree from Oakwood College and a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama. Before her legal career, Walker served as a Public Health Associate for the Centers for Disease. After receiving her Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton School Of Law, she partnered with a private practice concentrating on employment, criminal, personal injury, and domestic relations law. She is a graduate of Leadership DeKalb and has completed judicial and executive training at both the National Judicial College and John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
In addition to her private practice, Walker taught at multiple universities and held high positions in the legal field. This includes serving as a Senior Public Defender in Atlanta, Ga., an Associate Judge in the Recorders Court of DeKalb County, and a Chief Judge of the Recorders Court. Walker also sat by designation on the State and Superior Court Bench and worked as a contract manager in the Office of Procurement and Contracting for a State of Georgia agency. She is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations which include the State Bar of Georgia and the District of Columbia Bar Association.
Joy Walker is currently a professor in the Legal Studies department at American National University and the principal of Joy Walker Consulting, LLC where she consults small to medium size companies and governmental agencies on business and procurement matters.
