As part of a campus initiative to highlight the experiences and insights of our faculty, I had the opportunity to interview Prof. Kristine Walker-Fraser, a dedicated educator with more than 12 years of teaching experience. Her passion for communication, student growth and real-world skill development shines through in every part of her story.
Walker-Fraser has spent over a decade teaching in the field of Communication. While she regularly teaches Communication Skills, she shared that one of her favorite courses to teach is Interpersonal Communication, explaining that it allows her to help students “understand themselves and others more deeply while gaining tools they can use in both personal and professional settings.”
When asked about what she loves most about teaching, she spoke warmly about witnessing student progress. “One of my favorite things about teaching is engaging with students and seeing their growth—how they put together a presentation and how they communicate with me and others,” she said. Helping students master essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and conflict management is especially rewarding for her. Teaching, she emphasized, is not just about delivering academic content but about “helping students develop practical skills for success in their lives and in their careers.”
Like many educators, Walker-Fraser faces several challenges. She noted that one of the most difficult aspects of teaching is maintaining student engagement and participation, especially in an era full of distractions. She also pointed to the long hours that come with grading, the complexities of communicating effectively with students, and navigating the wide variety of learning preferences and difficulties that appear in every class. Despite these challenges, her commitment to her students remains strong. One of her most memorable classroom experiences came early in her career. During a group presentation assignment, she unknowingly paired two students who later fell in love and eventually married. The couple still reaches out to thank her for bringing them together—“a heartwarming outcome,” as she described it, and a reminder of the unexpected ways teachers can influence students’ lives.
Walker-Fraser completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at Andrews University, earning a BA in International Language for Trade and an MA in Communication Studies. Her academic background, paired with her extensive teaching experience, shapes the way she connects with students and approaches communication education. When asked what advice she would offer students entering the field, she encouraged them to focus on strengthening their communication skills. “Develop both verbal and nonverbal skills through active listening, asking open-ended questions, and practicing empathy,” she advised. She also highlighted the importance of building a strong professional network, staying connected with mentors and peers, and remaining curious. Above all, she encourages students to seek practical experiences and “practice communication daily.”
Walker-Fraser’s insight and dedication highlight the essential role that communication plays in academic success, professional growth and everyday life. Her passion for teaching and her encouragement for students to stay curious and engaged continue to inspire those who enter her classroom.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.