Ken Wilkins began his Baylor career as a faculty member in the Department of Biology in Fall 1983. Since 1998, he has been Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research while continuing research and teaching as a Professor of Biology. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Texas at Arlington and his master's was earned at Texas A&M University. He completed his doctoral studies in Zoology at the University of Florida in 1982.

Wilkins' research pertains to various aspects of the biology of mammals and other vertebrates. He and his students have published papers in assorted outlets including the Journal of Mammalogy, American Midland Naturalist, Southwestern Naturalist, Western North American Naturalist and the Texas Journal of Science. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Geographic Society, the Nature Conservancy, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and various private foundations.

Professor Wilkins has served several professional societies in various capacities, including President of the Texas Society of Mammalogists and several editorial roles with the American Society of Mammalogists.