Olene Smith Walker

Olene Smith Walker (1930–2015) grew up in the Ogden area, specifically in a farming community called Wilson, now incorporated into West Haven. Her family farmed approximately 120 acres, and her father was a principal at several schools, eventually becoming the Superintendent of Ogden School District. She fondly recalls her childhood as a time of learning to work while still enjoying neighborhood activities. The family traveled frequently, including trips to the Los Angeles area while her father earned his Ph.D. at the University of Southern California.

She attended Weber College on a debate scholarship before transferring to Brigham Young University (BYU), where she majored in Political Science, minored in History, and earned a degree in Secondary Education. She continued her education at Stanford University, earning a Master’s Degree in Political Theory and later a Ph.D. from the University of Utah.

Olene married and supported her husband as he earned his MBA from Harvard while she worked at Polaroid Corporation. After starting their family, she dedicated herself to being a full-time wife and mother. Over their first eleven years of marriage, they moved thirteen times, eventually settling back in Salt Lake City.

Positions Held:

  • 1970 – 1973: Education Consultant for the United States Department of Education (part-time)

  • 1974 – 1979: Director of the ESAA Volunteer Program in Salt Lake School District (part-time)

  • 1980 – 1989: Founder and Director of Salt Lake Education Foundation

  • 1989 – 1992: Director of Community Development for the State of Utah

  • 1981 – 1989: Utah Legislature

  • 1993 – 2003: Lieutenant Governor of Utah

  • 2003 – 2005: Governor of Utah

  • 1999 – 2000: President of the National Secretary of State Organization

  • 2001 – 2003: Chairperson of the National Lieutenant Governors Association

Community Service:

  • PTA President at three different schools

  • Regional PTA President

  • State Board, League of Women Voters

  • Chairperson, Salt Lake District Elementary Curriculum Committee

  • Chairperson, Downtown Development Committee

  • Co-chair, Women in the Workforce Task Force

  • Ballet West Board

  • Salt Lake Visitors and Convention Board of Directors

  • Utah Homeless Road Home Committee

  • United Way Board of Directors

  • Girl’s Village Board of Directors

  • Red Cross Board of Directors

  • Marriott School of Management Board of Directors

  • Romney Institute Board of Directors

  • Weber University Advisory Board

  • Utah Valley University Advisory Board

  • International Religious Freedom Board

  • Co-chair, National Academy on Data Committee

  • Board, National Parks Conservation Association

  • Co-chair, Citizens for Educational Excellence Board

Awards:

  • Leadership Award, Brigham Young University

  • Outstanding Graduate, Brigham Young University

  • Cum Laude Bachelor’s Degree

  • Honorary Doctorate: Southern Utah University, Weber University, Westminster College, Utah Valley College

  • Outstanding Graduate: University of Utah, Brigham Young University

  • Athena Award – Chamber of Commerce

  • Women of the Year Award – Salt Lake Tribune

  • Legislator of the Year Award

  • Friend of Libraries Award

  • Point of Light National Volunteer Award

  • Women of the Year, Orrin Hatch’s Women’s Conference

  • Friend of the Homeless Award

  • Volunteer of the Year Award

  • Human Services Legislator Award