Russel Walker, head of physical and environmental sciences, died on Feb. 18 at 63 years old following a brief illness, having first been hospitalized over Thanksgiving break. Walker was at Colorado Mesa University for 26 years prior to his death.

According to Professor of Environmental Science Dr. Tamara Minnick, who had been hired by Walker as the second person to run the department, several other faculty of the department have stepped up to cover portions of Walker’s job in the meantime.

“There are now three of us without Russ and our newest faculty member who we just hired a couple years ago, Freddy Witarsa, does a little bit more in that area and does some of those classes, but we’re going to have to hire someone new,” Minnick said.

Chemistry Instructors Suzanne Kenney and James Ayers took over Walker’s “Science and Technology of Pollution Control” and “Applied Atmospheric Science” classes respectively, while other faculty members help with the grading of assignments. Walker’s specialty was pollution cleanup and control, so an expert on the matter will have to fill the position next year, according to Minnick.

Walker was frequently involved inside and outside of school as well.

“Russ also worked a lot with community organizations, like the Colorado West Land Trust,” Minnick said.

In the wake of Walker’s unexpected death, the science department is planning events to honor the former department head.

“We established a scholarship fund in his name, so we’ll be trying to get that funded,” Minnick said. “On Apr. 20 at the Grand Junction Audubon Center, we’re having a Russ Walker Memorial riparian restoration day.” Alumni, students and community members will be attending the event.