Mike Walker was born and raised in Dolton, Illinois, and attended Thornridge High School. He received his B.A. in English and M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, and his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He has worked in higher education for 20 years, currently serving as dean of students. An avid writer, drummer and novice surfer, Mike and his family (wife Barb, daughters Cassidy and Kendall), currently reside in the beach town of Wilmington, N.C.