Curtis Walker, VP of Athletics, Livingstone College

Invest: spoke with Curtis Walker, vice president of athletics and athletic operations at Livingstone College, about driving institutional growth, NIL opportunities, and cultivating a culture of champions. “Ultimately, I want our athletic program to be recognized not only for winning championships, but also for graduating leaders, strengthening the institution, and representing Livingstone with distinction on the regional and national stage,” Walker said.

As you shape the future of Livingstone Athletics, what is your long-term vision for the program, both competitively and as a driver of institutional growth? 

My long-term vision is to establish Livingstone Athletics as a championship-caliber program that develops student-athletes academically, athletically, and personally. Competitively, we aim to build sustainable success across every sport through strong leadership, strategic recruiting, quality resources, and a culture rooted in discipline, accountability, and excellence. 

Beyond competition, athletics must serve as a powerful driver of institutional growth. By elevating our visibility, strengthening alumni and community engagement, expanding corporate partnerships, and creating an exceptional game-day experience, we can increase enrollment, generate revenue, and deepen pride in Livingstone College. Ultimately, I want our athletic program to be recognized not only for winning championships, but also for graduating leaders, strengthening the institution, and representing Livingstone with distinction on the regional and national stage. 

You’ve spoken about building a “culture of champions.” What does that philosophy mean in practice, and how are you working to establish it across every athletic program? 

A “culture of champions” extends far beyond winning games. In practice, we establish clear expectations for accountability, discipline, leadership, academic achievement, and personal development. Every coach, student-athlete, and staff member must understand that how we prepare, serve, and represent Livingstone College is just as important as the final score. 

Name, Image, and Likeness continue to reshape college sports. How can private HBCUs create meaningful NIL opportunities while maintaining competitive athletics programs? 

NIL should complement, not compete with, our broader athletics mission. When managed strategically, it becomes a recruiting and retention tool, strengthens community engagement, and prepares student-athletes for life beyond competition. Our goal is to create an NIL ecosystem that is sustainable, equitable across programs, and aligned with Livingstone’s values and institutional priorities.

How do you see Livingstone Athletics contributing to the college’s broader strategic and economic goals over the next several years? 

Our history began with a groundbreaking moment in Black college athletics, but our responsibility now is to build upon it. Over the next several years, we will use athletics strategically to support enrollment by recruiting student-athletes who are prepared to compete, excel academically, and contribute meaningfully to the Livingstone community.  

Livingstone Athletics can generate resources while supporting the economic vitality of Salisbury, NC and the surrounding region. Ultimately, athletics should deliver a clear return for the entire institution through increased visibility, stronger enrollment and retention, deeper alumni pride, and new revenue opportunities.