Walker, Richard L. "Dixie" (1922-2003)

Papers, c. 1940s-2003, 9.5 ft.

Richard L. "Dixie" Walker dedicated his life and career to intercultural understanding. He served his nation as a soldier during World War II, as a professor of international studies both at home and abroad, as a foreign policy adviser to the government, and as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, 1981-1986. In the mid 1990s, Walker retired as the James F. Byrnes Professor Emeritus and Ambassador-in-Residence at the University of South Carolina. President Ronald Reagan regarded Walker's service as quiet diplomacy turned into an art form.

This collection documents Walker's service as U.S. Ambassador to South Korea. Also included are research, writings, travel information, correspondence, and speeches, both personal and from his career as professor of government and international studies at the University of South Carolina, c. 1957-2003. Walker's field of study was China and East Asia; in 1961, Walker founded USC's Institute of International Studies, which is now known as the Richard L. Walker Institute of International and Area Studies.

Richard L. Walker: In His Own Words: A digitized collection of documents from the Walker papers.

Related Collection:

Richard L. Walker Papers, Drew University, Madison, NJ (55 linear feet)

Related Link:

Walker Institute of International and Area Studies (University of South Carolina School of Arts & Sciences)