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James Frazier Barker

President of Clemson University From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

Quick facts 14th President of Clemson University, Preceded by ...
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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

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