Monroe Walker

Purchasing Coordinator
Delta Research and Extension Center
Years in position: 5
Years of service to MSU: 27

After spending more than 20 years as a research technician in catfish research, Monroe Walker had the opportunity to step out of the fish pond and into a new role. He now supports researchers as a purchasing coordinator at Mississippi State University’s Delta Research and Extension Center, or DREC, located in Stoneville.

Early in his career, Walker frequently worked in ponds collecting water samples and learning about DNA and microbes alongside researchers. As his experience grew, he began helping graduate students learn the same skills he had developed over the years. While he enjoyed the research side of his work, life eventually presented an opportunity for change.

Walker went back to school and earned his degree in interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis in business from MSU in 2019. When the previous purchasing coordinator retired, Walker applied for the position and transitioned into a new way of supporting research. Today, he works with agricultural retailers to compare prices, secure deals and help save researchers both time and money.

“A lot of the retailers I work with now were in school in the ’90s with me, so it is great to work with Bulldogs wherever I go,” Walker said.

Walker’s favorite part of his job is finding ways to stretch research dollars at DREC. Although research plots generate data that can impact an entire state, they are often much smaller than commercial farms. That means locating specific seed varieties in small quantities can be difficult, but Walker enjoys the challenge.

“Most retailers know that the work DREC does produces significant data, so they are usually willing to help me track down the quantity we need,” Walker said.

Finding the right quantity is important, but finding the right price can make an even greater impact. Purchases more than $5,000 require multiple quotes before they can be approved, and Walker takes pride in finding the best possible value so research funds can go further.

One of his favorite memories came during one of his first large chemical purchases. After receiving an initial quote, Walker contacted two additional retailers and ultimately saved between $5,000 and $6,000 on the order.

“Being a frugal shopper can be kind of funny,” Walker said, “but when I get the best deal I can and help stretch funds for a research project, I know I’ve made a positive impact.”

His ability to communicate effectively, secure needed materials and maximize cost savings has led to many successful purchasing decisions. Although career advancement motivated him to pursue the role, one of his biggest inspirations was his daughter, Lane.

“I wanted to graduate before she did, and I did. She is now a fifth-generation Bulldog,” Walker said.

Much of Walker’s time away from DREC has been spent in Starkville visiting his daughter, especially enjoying time together at Dudy Noble Field, grilling and watching baseball. Now that Lane has graduated, he is already looking forward to doing the same with his son, Mack, who is currently a junior in high school and plans to attend MSU.