Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Stephen F. Austin State University announces the appointment of Dr. Jordan M. Barkley as the institution’s new provost and executive vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs. Barkley will be charged with guiding SFA’s academic programs, faculty development and fiscal responsibilities.
Barkley joins SFA with a distinguished record of academic leadership and a deep commitment to institutional analysis, professional development and strategic academic initiatives. He offers nearly two decades of administrative experience at institutions including the University of Northern Colorado, Tarleton State University and Jacksonville State University.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Jordan Barkley to Stephen F. Austin State University as our new provost and executive vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs,” said Dr. Neal Weaver, SFA president. “Dr. Barkley brings a strong record of academic leadership and a clear commitment to student achievement, faculty engagement and institutional excellence. His extensive experience in higher education will be invaluable as we continue to advance SFA’s mission. We look forward to the leadership and vision he will bring to our university.”
Barkley earned a doctorate and Master of Science in reading education and a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from Auburn University. His career has been marked by a focus on student-centered innovation, operational excellence and collaborative leadership.
Barkley began his career as a middle school English and history teacher and then moved to Jacksonville State University as a tenure track faculty member because he “fell in love with the idea of teaching teachers how to teach.”
“My whole career has really been about how to best prepare this next generation for what it is they want to do,” Barkley said in his March 28 presentation to the SFA community.
At Tarleton State University, Barkley served as the dean of the College of Education and then as senior associate provost. In this role, he managed academic administration, which included budget, resources, personnel and accreditation.
At the University of Northern Colorado, Barkley managed a budget of over $141 million for academic affairs, which included enrollment management, faculty affairs and institutional research and effectiveness.
“I am thrilled to join President Weaver and my new colleagues across campus as we collaborate to usher in SFA's second century of delivering exceptional educational opportunities to students in East Texas and beyond,” Barkley said. “As a lifelong educator and leader, I am honored to work alongside faculty and staff who not only understand the profound impact of a comprehensive regional university but also prioritize the success of our students above all else.”
Barkley has presented and/or authored 36 presentations on topics pertaining to teaching techniques and higher education. He has secured over $750,000 in external funding to support his research and scholarly activity.
His recent professional service includes serving as a reviewer on the accreditation committee for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and serving as a committee member for the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
“Nothing levels the playing field quite like high-impact educational experiences and relevant programs of study,” Barkley said. “SFA is already well on its way to offering both, and I look forward to championing their continued growth as SFA's next provost and executive vice president.”
Barkley will assume the role July 1.