Jordan Barkley, PhD

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

What drew you to the higher education world?

I fell in love with the rhyme and rhythm of education as an elementary student and have enjoyed participating in, creating and leading educational experiences since then. College, for me, was an opportunity to meet and learn from people I likely would have never met otherwise, opening my eyes to thinking, understanding and problem-solving in evolved ways. I chose to move into higher education from the middle school classroom because preparing future teachers meant impacting significantly more students across the state and nation. Likewise, serving as an academic leader has afforded me the opportunity to help others on campuses ensure that students have optimal opportunities to become the best educated versions of themselves.

What do you enjoy most about your role at SFA?

As SFA’s provost and executive vice president for the Division of Academic Affairs, I have daily opportunities to interact with and learn from students, staff, faculty and community members. This role allows me to strategically advocate for all of our learners and work with my colleagues across campus to ensure that faculty have the resources they need to deliver meaningful learning experiences in environments that encourage introspection, creativity and growth.

What do you hope students gain from SFA?

My hope is that our students take advantage of the numerous opportunities we offer at SFA to explore the ways they see the world around them, as well as how they can best impact Nacogdoches, the state and the nation. I sincerely hope that each of our students looks back fondly on their time at SFA and can confidently say, “I am prepared to make a difference because of my time at SFA!”

What are you passionate about outside of your role at SFA?

I am, and always will be, an educator at my very core. Most of my activities outside of my role here are grounded in education and making a difference in the community. Where I’ve previously lived, I have been active in community organizations and boards that focus on improving both the educational experiences and quality of life. Most recently, I served as a court-appointed special advocate for children in Colorado, and I look forward to exploring that opportunity here in Nacogdoches. Aside from engaging in university or community initiatives, my wife and I enjoy spending as much time as we can with our two sons, our extended family and our friends!

Education and Experience