Olene Walker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olene Walker
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| 15th Governor of Utah | |
| In office November 5, 2003 – January 3, 2005 |
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| Lieutenant | Gayle McKeachnie |
| Preceded by | Mike Leavitt |
| Succeeded by | Jon Huntsman Jr. |
| 4th Lieutenant Governor of Utah | |
| In office January 4, 1993 – November 5, 2003 |
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| Governor | Mike Leavitt |
| Preceded by | Val Oveson |
| Succeeded by | Gayle McKeachnie |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Olene Smith
November 15, 1930 Ogden, Utah, U.S. |
| Died | November 28, 2015 (aged 85) Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Myron Walker |
| Children | 7 |
| Education | Brigham Young University (BA) Stanford University (MA) University of Utah (PhD) |
Olene Walker (born Olene Smith; November 15, 1930 – November 28, 2015) was an American politician. She served as the 15th governor of Utah from 2003 to 2005. She became governor after Mike Leavitt left office.
A member of the Republican Party, Olene Walker made history. She was Utah's first female governor. She was also the first female Lieutenant Governor of Utah.
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Early Life and Education
Olene Smith was born in Ogden, Utah, in 1930. Her parents were Thomas Ole Smith and Nina (Hadley) Smith. She was the second of their five children.
She went to Weber High School. Olene Walker earned her bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 1953. She later received her master's degree from Stanford University. She also earned a doctorate in education administration from the University of Utah.
Political Career
Olene Walker started her career in the Utah House of Representatives. This is where state laws are made. She served a term as the Majority Whip. This role helps make sure party members vote together. During this time, she helped create Utah’s Rainy Day Fund. This fund saves money for the state during tough times.
Before becoming governor, she served for 10 years as the Lieutenant Governor of Utah. This job is like a vice-governor. She also founded the Salt Lake Education Foundation and was its director. She led the Utah Division of Community Development. This group helps communities grow.
Walker also chaired several important groups. These included the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice. This group worked on crime and youth justice. She also led the Utah State Housing Coordinating Committee. This committee focused on housing issues. She was also the first woman governor of Utah. Senator Orrin Hatch once said that Walker "truly paved the way for women in government in Utah." Throughout her political life, her main focus was always education.
Becoming Governor
Olene Walker became the Governor of Utah in 2003. The previous governor, Mike Leavitt, was chosen by President George W. Bush to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA works to protect the environment. Walker served as governor until January 3, 2005.
During her time as governor, Walker focused a lot on education. She started the "Read With a Child Early Literacy Initiative." This program encouraged reading for young children. She often visited classrooms to read to students. She also stopped a plan that would give money for private schools. She believed this would take money away from public schools.
Walker also signed a law that ended the use of firing squads for executions in Utah. She worked to protect Utah's natural lands. She also helped create more affordable housing for people.
In 2004, the Utah Republican Party held a meeting to choose candidates for governor. Even though Olene Walker was the current governor, the party chose other candidates. This was the first time in 48 years that a sitting Utah governor did not win their party's nomination. Jon Huntsman, Jr. was chosen instead. He later won the election. Walker left office with a very high approval rating of 87%.
Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service
In 2012, Olene Walker created the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service. This institute is at Weber State University. Its goal is to encourage students and the community to get involved in public service and politics. The institute helps students find internships. It also holds public discussions about important issues. It offers workshops to help people become leaders and active citizens.
Personal Life
Olene Walker was married to Myron Walker. They had seven children and twenty-five grandchildren. The Walkers were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served as missionaries in New York City, focusing on international affairs. Later, Olene Walker served as a Primary president in her church in St. George, Utah.
Olene Walker passed away on November 28, 2015. She was 85 years old.
Recognition and Legacy
The State of Utah has a program called the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund. This fund helps provide affordable housing across the state. It also helps renovate homes in rural areas. It works to protect renters and provide good housing options for people with lower incomes.
In 2003, The Salt Lake Tribune newspaper named her "Utahn of the Year." In 2010, the Utah County Democratic Party gave her a special service award. Walker was also one of the first leaders of the Utah Debate Commission. This group helps organize political debates.
Olene Walker Elementary School opened in 2020, named in her honor.
See also
In Spanish: Olene Smith Walker para niños
- List of female governors in the United States
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
