Our President

With a commitment to Christ-centered leadership and a keen vision for the transformative power of Christian education, Dr. William D. Barker brings a wide-ranging combination of qualities to the presidency of Southern Wesleyan University. Dr. Barker places his faith at the forefront of each endeavor, from large-scale initiatives to time in Scripture with his wife and children. A distinguished scholar in biblical studies, he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Middle Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Cambridge University, England, after earning a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from Gordon College. Dr. Barker’s proven leadership abilities and his allegiance to Christ have been demonstrated in his time with the USAF Reserve, where he has served in multiple combat environments around the world. Extending his faith and leadership to the corporate sector with robust business expertise, Dr. Barker has spearheaded multiple successful enterprises. He is the devoted husband of Sara and the proud father of three children: Aidin (13), Catharine (9), and Isaiah (7), and soon another daughter whom they are adopting from India.