Captain Rosalind L. Walton-Russell is widely acclaimed for her decades-long tenure in military service and contributions to the field of psychiatric social work. Having commenced her career as a paraprofessional in San Francisco, she has provided social welfare and social work services for nearly 50 years and established several community programs and initiatives to improve the lives of those around her.
Capt. Walton-Russell served as a U.S. Air Force commissioned officer and captain, where she also practiced clinical psychiatric social work, providing diagnostic, evaluation and treatment services to active-duty military personnel and their dependents. Recognized extensively for her service, she was awarded an honorable discharge and went on to work as a medical social worker III and acting director at The University of Texas at Tyler, as well as the director of social work in three nursing homes.
Contracting numerous home health care agencies throughout her civilian career, Capt. Walton-Russell also held leadership roles at Texas College for three decades. Between 1993 and 2023, she served in numerous capacities, including as an associate professor, director, and area coordinator of the department of social work and program accreditation. Notably, she initiated the accreditation process and application submission for program candidacy in December 2021, which resulted in gaining accreditation for the social work program in March 2025. To this end, the Texas College social work baccalaureate program was granted initial accreditation through 2033, due to Capt. Walton-Russell’s efforts.
Capt. Walton-Russell holds several advanced degrees. Most recently, she is pursuing a Doctor of Social Work, with a focus on ethical leadership, community legacy and social justice. In light of her contributions to humanitarian service and advocacy, as well as her lifelong dedication to empowering marginalized communities and mentoring up-and-coming social workers, she was named a 2025 candidate for an honorary doctorate in humanitarian service by Global International Alliance, as sponsored by Prophetic Flow Ministries. This honor will be conferred during the graduation commencement ceremony in Houston, Texas, on October 25, 2025.
Receiving a myriad of other honors throughout her career, Capt. Walton-Russell was awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her volunteer service and commitment to building a stronger nation. Likewise, she was given a Personalized Certificate of Achievement and a letter signed by former President Joe Biden, as well as a Gold Medallion, in 2024. Looking toward the future, Capt. Walton-Russell intends to complete her doctorate in social work and continue working on a book regarding the history of Mineola, Texas.
