By Michael Freeman, Managing Editor

The Study Abroad Latin America program had a changing of the guards Aug. 21 as new onsite directors Wimon and Rosalinda Walker left for Montevideo, Uruguay.

Wimon Walker, instructor of Bible, missions and ministry, and his wife Rosalinda, who for the past three years taught bi-lingual fourth grade classes at Fannin Elementary in Abilene, will be taking over for Rhonda Collier, professor of English, who was the Latin America director for the past two years.

“I’m excited about it,” Wimon Walker said. “We’re looking at a three-year commitment. But certainly, if it works out well, it could be longer than that.”

While in Montevideo, the Walkers will serve as faculty members, residence life coordinators, student advisers and excursion planners.

“It’s a whole lot of hats to wear,” said Lauren Graham , Study Abroad Coordinator.

“It’s a big job, but very fulfilling.”

The Walkers have plenty of foreign experience. Rosalinda spent part of her childhood living in Argentina; Wimon was an intern with the MARK program, which was a missionary program 30 years ago. They both lived in Buenos Aires as missionaries for two years before marrying and spending 15 years in Botswana doing mission work. And in 2006, Wimon taught a short course in Montevideo.

“You put those things together, along with the academic interest and abilities that they have, and they stand out,” said Kevin Kehl, director of the Center for International and Intercultural Education.

The Walkers both are fluent in Spanish, but they also are fluent in mission work. Wimon, along with Gary Green, founded World Wide Witness, a missionary group on campus. Wimon also was an elder at Minter Lane Church of Christ in Abilene.

“[The Walkers] are a good fit for ACU,” Kehl said. “They are interested in students’ intellectual and spiritual development.”

ACU students enrolled in the fall 2008 Study Abroad program will leave for Montevideo Aug. 27. The Walkers will be ready to receive them, Wimon said.