College Names Robin Walton Vice President for Community and Government Affairs

Thomas Edison State University has appointed Robin Walton, of Burlington, N.J., as vice president for Community and Government Affairs.

Walton, who has served as director of Community and Government Affairs at Thomas Edison State University since joining the institution in 2005, will continue her work to support the college’s commitment to working with civic leaders and organizations throughout the state of New Jersey and in the Trenton community, and serving as the college’s primary liaison with local, state and federal officials.

“Robin has done tremendous work during her tenure with the college,” said George A. Pruitt, president of Thomas Edison State University. “We look forward to her continued leadership working with community groups to help improve our city and with elected officials here in Trenton and in Washington.”

Walton is responsible for community affairs efforts and initiatives at the city, county and state level. She manages relationships with community-based organizations, government officials, local businesses and citizens to support effective communication and partnerships between Thomas Edison State University and its local community. Walton also is the lead administrator for Capital City Partnership, Inc., a registered 501c3 organization created by Thomas Edison State University, Capital Health, Shiloh Baptist Church and the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce, to broker, foster and leverage private, public and community resources to enhance and promote redevelopment initiatives that will revitalize the Canal Banks area of Trenton.

She also directs the college’s government affairs programs at the local, state and federal levels. Her responsibilities include planning and developing the institution’s response to proposed legislation; developing and maintaining effective relationships with governmental agencies and officials; and analyzing and assessing legislative, administrative and regulatory activities as they pertain to the college’s programs, activities and operations.

“I have always been passionate about supporting the city of Trenton and advocating the mission of Thomas Edison State University. I believe the work we do every day to create opportunities for self-directed adult learners changes their lives,” said Walton. “Higher education plays an important role in community relations and is an important policy issue in New Jersey and around the country. I look forward to continuing my work to serve the college locally and at the state and federal level.”

Walton earned a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick and a Master of Science in Management from Thomas Edison State University. Walton is also a graduate of HERS Wellesley Institute for Women in Higher Education Administration. Prior to joining the college, she served as community relations coordinator at Capital Health in Trenton.

Walton currently serves as chair for the Board of Trustees for Children’s Specialized Hospital and represents the hospital on the Board of Robert Wood Johnson Healthcare Corporation. She is the vice chair of the New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis Task Force and serves on the Community Advisory Boards for both the Trenton Health Team and the Greater Mercer Public Health Partnership. Walton is Thomas Edison State University’s institutional representative for the New Jersey American Council on Education Network and chair of the college’s chapter. She serves on the national Higher Education Government Relations Task Force. Walton also is on the Board for Trenton Public Education Foundation. Last year, she was honored by Executive Women of New Jersey with its 2012 Salute to the Policy Makers Award.