[5] Following graduation from Macon County R-1 high school in 1970 he attended the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Journalism.
[3] Walker would undertake post-graduate studies at Duke University and the Haus Rissen Institute of International Politics and Economics in Hamburg, Germany.
[5] The young Walker attended pie suppers and other political events supporting his uncle while still a babe in his mothers arms.
[5] His maternal and paternal grandfathers were also involved in politics—one a Democrat the other Republican—and held various local elected positions on city council, county commission, and school board.
[12] Walker counts both Democrats and Republicans as political figures he looked up to and admires, notably fellow Missourians Harry S. Truman and Jerry Litton, and Conservative icon Ronald Reagan.
Walker's first attempt at elected office was not successful, as he ran for the Missouri House 12th district in 1978, losing to incumbent Democrat R. L. "Scoop" Usher.
In 1984 Nate Walker chose not to run for the 12th District House seat, instead seeking statewide office as Missouri Lieutenant Governor.