FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Barker Previously Worked at the University of Wisconsin Parkside.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Southern Connecticut State Vice President of Student Affairs Tracy Tyree has announced that Chris Barker has been named the Owls' Director of Athletics, as announced on June 15, 2021. Barker's official start date will be July 1, 2021.
"I'm honored and humbled for the opportunity to join the Owl family at Southern Connecticut State University. I would like to thank President Bertolino, Dr. Tracy Tyree, and the search committee for this opportunity," Barker said. "Throughout the search process, it became evident that everyone at Southern Connecticut State University is committed to the development of students and their well-being. I look forward to being the leader of the athletics department and the talented students, coaches and staff at SCSU."
Barker is the sixth athletic director in Owls' history. He comes to Southern Connecticut from the University of Wisconsin Parkside where he served as the Deputy Director of Athletics since 2020. He previously held the position of Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Revenue Generation & Administration and was also the Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations.
"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Chris and his family to Southern. He is the right leader at the right time for Southern Athletics," Tyree said. "His knowledge, experience, passion, and enthusiasm will elevate our program to new heights. Southern's student-athletes are amazing and our athletics staff is positioned to realize even greater success. I am grateful to our search advisory committee, led by SCSU Vice President for Institutional Advancement Michael Kingan, with support from The PICTOR Group, for facilitating a rigorous process and vetting a very strong pool of candidates to identify Chris as our next Director of Athletics."
His responsibilities at Parkside involved leadership positions in the staff oversight of seven teams as well as external revenue generation, accounting and finance, strategic planning, equity, diversity & inclusion, human resources, operations including facilities oversight and capital projects, while also serving on multiple committees and also serving as an adjunct professor.
"I want to also thank Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin and everyone at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside for supporting me and allowing me to lead from my position during my time," Barker said. "Lastly, I want to thank the late Dr. Robert Bonn (former Carthage College AD, NACDA Hall of Fame, NAADD Lifetime Achievement Recipient). I was fortunate to learn from one of the best in college athletics and I will always be grateful for all he taught me. My family and I are excited to start this new chapter with SCSU and the New Haven community!"
In addition to his efforts on campus, Barker was selected for positions on several national committees including the NCAA Leadership Collective Board, "I Pledge Now" Advisory Board, and the prestigious NCAA Pathway Program. He is a member of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) and was a D2 Governance Academy grant recipient as part of the MOAA Symposium. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Racine YMCA and the Kenosha Boys & Girls Club Sports Committee. While at Parkside, Barker was instrumental in revamping the department's internal operations, building relationships across campus in addition to his success in fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and external rentals.
Prior to Parkside, he was hired as the Director of Athletic Operations at Carthage College and was later promoted to Assistant Director of Athletics. At Carthage, he was engaged in external revenue generation, equity, diversity & inclusion, compliance, operations, and student-athlete academic support.
Barker's coaching experience includes three years at Delaware State University as an assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator. Barker was a student-athlete at Madison College where was a two-year member of its baseball team he was named All-Conference, NJCAA All-District, received a 2009 Rawlings Gold Glove Award, and was also named Madison's College's Sportsperson of the Year. From Madison College, he moved to UNC-Greensboro where he played on the baseball team and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies in June of 2011. Barker earned his Master's Degree in sport administration in May of 2014 at Delaware State University.
University of Wisconsin Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford
"Congratulations to Chris Barker on his appointment as the 6th Director of Athletics for Southern Connecticut State University! Chris has excelled as Deputy Director of Athletics for the UW-Parkside Rangers and I know he is ready to lead the Southern Connecticut Owls! Chris' impact at UW-Parkside extended across our campus and into the community and his contributions as a leader on our EDI Council will be missed greatly. I wish Chris and his family success as they begin this transition. President Bertolino and Dr. Tyree, you hired one of the best leaders in University Athletics! Congratulations!"
University of Wisconsin Parkside Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin
"I congratulate Southern Connecticut State University on their home run hire. While the news is bittersweet for me and our staff, campus, and community, we're thrilled for Chris, Emily, and Henry. Chris' hard work, talent, and leadership have been instrumental in the growth and progress of Parkside Athletics, and he is undoubtedly more than ready to lead SCSU Athletics. The Owls' staff and student-athletes will love Chris' infectious personality, positivity, and competitiveness. We look forward to cheering him on as he embarks on this new journey."
Tartleton State University Vice President of Institutional Advancement Gabe Gagwin
"Chris is a rising star in Intercollegiate Athletics and I am so excited for him and his family! I believe that his passion, extreme focus, and understanding of what this job means to the community, the University, and the lives of their student-athletes will serve him well. Chris is extremely considerate, conscientious, and has a natural enthusiasm for helping others and those qualities will show naturally on a daily basis. Southern Connecticut State University hit a home run with this hire and I know that he will do everything he can to promote a safe and vibrant environment for everyone associated with the University, graduate his student-athletes, and provide them with the resources needed to excel in life long after they hang up their jerseys!"
University of Akron Director of Athletics Charles Guthrie
"Chris Barker is an outstanding appointment for Southern Connecticut State University. Over the years, I've witnessed his dedication to the student-athlete experience and the proposition that our student-athletes are students first. Moreover, he's consistently voiced the importance of having integrity and being transparent. I look forward to seeing the Owls soar to new heights under Chris Barker's leadership."
Northern Illinois University Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier
"Chris is one of the rising stars in our industry! It has been great to watch him grow and develop into the servant leader that he clearly is! Bravo and congratulations to Southern Connecticut State University for identifying one of the best and then making it happen!"
-Release provided by SCSU athletic communications-
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