Jefferson Walker, is a native of Marion, Alabama (Lincoln High School). He attended Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, where he received his Bachelor of Education in Physical Education and Health in 1967. Also, at Tuskegee he earned his Master Degree in Education in 1972.

In 1979, Mr. Walker was hired to become the new Chief of Police at Kentucky State University. While serving as the Chief he accepted the position as Head Baseball Coach at KSU in 1979. He came with experience as he was formerly the Head Assistant Baseball Coach at Tuskegee Institute from 1967 to 1974.

Coach Walker has been one of the most successful baseball coaches in KSU history. He is only the second coach to have three or more consecutive winning seasons from 1965 to 2020. Only the great Hall of Famer, Coach James Oliver, was able to have a winning record three years straight before Coach Walker in that time span.

In the seven years Coach Walker was in control of the program, he was the winningest baseball coach in KSU history. He won 20 games or more each season as the Head Coach. In 1980, he won 22 games and lose 22 games. In 1981, he went 26-27. The best season was in 1982 when he took his team and won the NAIA District 32 Baseball Championship with the third best winning record in KSU history. This team went 32-14 to become the third winningest team at KSU, behind the 1974 and 1976 teams as they went 38-12 and 40-5, respectively. Coach Walker was selected by the NAIA District 32 Coach of the Year.

Coach Walker followed with two 27 wins seasons in 1983 (11 losses) and 1984 (8 losses). In Coach Walkers final two seasons he went 20-9 in 1985 and 22-27 in 1986.

Coach Walker has an overall career win-loss record of 176 – 118, giving him a .598 average. He had the most wins in KSU history until 2023. His winning percentage in only second to the Coach Oliver who was .768.

During Coach Walker’s tenure, he coached several athletes who had the opportunity to play Major League baseball. This includes Lester Strode (KSU Hall of Famer), Pitcher, who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals. Strode once struck out 26 out of 27 batters in a double header against Central State University. Strode earned a World Series ring as the Pitching Coach with the Chicago Cubs.

Another athlete, Dale Polley a pitcher, was drafted by the Atlanta Braves. He earned a World Series ring with the New York Yankees. Coach Walker also coached Darrell Barnes, Pitcher/Outfielder, who played with the Pittsburgh Pirates; Randy Theskens, Pitcher, played with the Oakland Athletics; and, Ricky Lewis, Infielder, played several years professionally in Argintina.

Coach Walker was very proud of having an outstanding graduation rate among his players as most of his student-athletes received degrees in their prospective disciplines. He was a strong role model and positive male figure to his athletes. He always had their best interest at heart.

Coach Walker currently resides in Tallahassee, Florida. He is retired but is an independent contractor in transportation for Florida A&M University. He is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.