Walter Lee has been exactly who he is since he was a kid in Eutawville.
Today, Lee works at USC Upstate in Spartanburg, teaching leadership to his students. He has a background in middle education and administration, and owns a plant-based cosmetics company that’s growing every day. He’s also a published author, having penned works on intersectional leadership and education practices challenging the age-old saying that “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
It sounds disparate. But, like most things in life, it all ties together.
Lee grew up in the small community of Eutawville, just south of Santee. He described an environment that reinforced the idea that it took a village to raise a child. If Lee misbehaved, his teacher would call to explain the situation to his mother and father. Then, she would tell the bus driver because the bus driver was his father’s aunt. As a result, the bus driver would pull up to his house, relaying the message again to Lee’s aunt and uncle. The closeness created a network that extended outside of school and into every facet of life and home.
Walter Lee’s approach to teaching adult students at USC Upstate
The levels of support came to shape his teaching and leadership practice, the CARE framework. CARE stands for:
- Culturally relevant practices
- Affirmations
- Relationships
- Expectations
Although his educational background began in middle education, Lee applies the CARE method to adult students at USC Upstate.
“Nothing changed. The language just gets a little bit more sophisticated,” he said.
The stakes are higher for adults. Lee said it is important to lean into relationship building, giving the example of attending a student’s wresting match or the funeral for a loved one. Since the stakes are higher, it also means being realistic about expectations and affirming their capabilities while being sensitive to the real world challenges.
“‘Sister girl, tell me what’s going on here, because this ain’t you. I know this grade, but this ain’t you. Tell me what’s going on. Because I can’t accept this, not from you,’” he said, giving an example conversation. “Keeping the expectations high. ‘I have belief in you. I do know you can do this. I do know you can have this.’ Constantly affirming the good.”
Lee received his Ph.D. in philosophy of educational leadership from Clemson University in 2018. Obtaining a doctoral degree is a stressful process. While writing his dissertation, he developed a case of adult eczema that caused him to lose sleep. He went to the doctor but was disenchanted with the side effects of the medicines prescribed. So he took to YouTube and began formulating his own topical ointments.
He created combinations of natural butters and oils, and it helped. Over the year, he updated his recipes and was encouraged by friends to sell the formula.
The goal was just to help people with skin care and maybe cover his car payments. The business he created — Dr. Walt’s Co. — has surpassed that in sales and in its intrinsic mission.
“What it’s become now for me is advocacy for people in skin care, but actually advocacy for people in care of self, holistically,” Lee said. He also gets to employ his students but maintains the CARE method with his business.
The company grew in 2023 when he joined Village Launch, Mill Village Ministries’ entrepreneurial guidance arm. At the end of the 10-week cohort, Lee participated in a mandatory pitch competition and won.
“You just have to be open to [opportunities],” Lee said. “One of my affirmations, affirmations that I recite every day is, ‘I look forward to all the good that is already headed my direction, seen and unseen.’”
Walter Lee’s daily affirmations:
- I look forward to all of the good that is coming my way seen or unseen
- All is well with my life
- I am learning to think in ways that support my joy
- I lack nothing; all of my needs are already met
- I choose to start my new life now
- I am aligned not delayed, I honor steady progress
- Out of this, only good will come
