James Frazier Barker

For other people with the same name, see James Barker.
James Frazier Barker
Barker in 2013
14th President of Clemson University
In office
11 November 1999 – 30 December 2013
Preceded byConstantine W. Curris
Succeeded byJames P. Clements
Personal details
Born (1947-05-01) May 1, 1947 (age 77)[1]
Kingsport, Tennessee, U.S.
Alma materClemson University (BA)
Washington University in St. Louis (MA)
OccupationAdministrator, Professor
Academic work
Disciplinearchitecture
Institutions

James Frazier Barker (born May 1, 1947) is the former president of Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.

Early life and education

Barker was born in Kingsport, Tennessee and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School.[2] He attended Clemson University and graduated with a degree in architecture in 1970. He then attended Washington University in St. Louis, earning a master's degree in architecture in 1973.[3]

Career

Following graduation, Barker was hired as an assistant professor of architecture at the University of Tennessee. In 1974, he moved to Mississippi State University.[4] In 1984 he became dean of architecture at Mississippi State. Barker became dean of architecture at Clemson University in 1986, a position he held until his election as president in 1999.[5]

President of Clemson

Barker served as President of Clemson from 1999 to 2014. In his inaugural address, Barker stated a goal of having Clemson ranked in the Top 20 public universities, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. During his tenure, Clemson's U.S. News ranking has risen from #38 to #22.[6] Barker has overseen the creation of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research and the Restoration Institute in North Charleston (including a $98 million wind turbine research center).[7]

Barker also has served as the chair of the NCAA Division I board of directors from 2007 until 2010,[8][9] and commissioner (2002–2004) and chair (2004–2006) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.[4][10]

In January 2013, Barker underwent five heart bypass surgeries. On April 16, 2013, he announced plans to retire and return full-time to the classroom.[11] James P. Clements replaced him as president on January 1, 2014.[12]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to James Frazier Barker.
  1. ^ Randall, Henry Pettus, ed. (1969). Who's who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Randall Publishing Company.
  2. ^ "Jim Barker inducted into Dobyns-Bennett HOF". 30 September 2011.
  3. ^ Rogers, Betsy (Spring 2002). "Features". Washington University in St. Louis Magazine. Archived from the original on 18 March 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  4. ^ a b "Curriculum Vitae of James F. Barker, FAIA". Clemson University. Archived from the original on 26 October 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  5. ^ "James F. Barker". NNDB. Archived from the original on 29 October 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  6. ^ Lederman, Doug (3 June 2009). "'Manipulating,' Er, Influencing 'U.S. News'". Inside Higher Ed. Archived from the original on 18 August 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  7. ^ "Clemson Lands US $98M for Wind Turbine R&D". Renewable Energy World. 1 December 2009. Archived from the original on 8 October 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  8. ^ "Division I committees appoint leadership positions". National Collegiate Athletic Association. 7 May 2007. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  9. ^ Brutlag Hosick, Michelle (17 August 2010). "South Florida President Genshaft to chair DI Board". National Collegiate Athletic Association. Archived from the original on 17 September 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  10. ^ Warner, John (10 December 2007). "Barker receives meritorious service award from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools". Press release. Swamp Fox. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 12 August 2011.
  11. ^ Shain, Andrew (April 16, 2013). "Clemson president Jim Barker announces retirement". The State. Columbia, SC. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  12. ^ "Clemson's Barker praised, thanked as 1,100 graduate". Pickens County Courier. December 24, 2013. Archived from the original on January 6, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2014.