Campbell names residence hall in honor of businessman Bob Barker

Campbell University dedicated its newest residence hall to Fuquay-Varina businessman Bob Barker and his wife Pat on Friday, April 27.During a ceremony held in the lobby of the residence hall, Campbell University President Jerry Wallace, members of the University administration, faculty, staff and students gathered to commemorate the naming of the facility as Bob Barker Hall. A plaque with the likenesses of Bob and Pat Barker will hang permanently in the hall.”This is a very happy and historic day for Campbell University. Meeting the needs of our students, this is the first step in improving all the residential facilities of Campbell University,” said President Wallace. “We are forever grateful to the Barkers for loving and being generous to Campbell University.”Bob Barker, a 1965 Campbell University graduate, is president and CEO of the Bob Barker Company, the industry’s largest supplier to corrections facilities with textile manufacturing plants in North Carolina, Idaho and Florida and metal manufacturing plants and distribution centers in Fuquay-Varina and California.Barker has served on numerous commissions, including the Fuquay-Varina Economic Development Council and the Industrial Managers Association of which he was a founding member. He has been mayor of Fuquay-Varina and Apex, N.C., and served as a North Carolina state senator from 1972-1974. Having previously served as a Trustee of Campbell University, he is a current member of the Presidential Board of Advisors.Barker attributes Campbell University for helping in his success.”Coming to Campbell for my education was certainly a life-changing experience. It opened doors for me and my family,” he said. “Every time I come on this campus, I really appreciate this wonderful school more. I see lives changed and hear success stories of graduates of this great university.”Pat Barker was also recently elected to the Campbell University Presidential Board of Advisors. She is the executive vice president of the Bob Barker Company. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Barker earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. She went on to receive a master’s degree in organic chemistry and a Master of Business Administration from Duke University.Pat is also active in civic life, having served as a member, secretary and president of the Apex Jaycettes, member and secretary of the Apex Woman’s Club, member of the Wake County Commission on Women and numerous other organizations.The newly-named Bob Barker hall is a $15 million dollar 106,000 square foot facility for upperclassmen students. Opened in August of 2005, it features 75 suites and apartments, central heat and air conditioning, kitchens or kitchenettes and fully-furnished living areas. The new residence hall is part of the comprehensive campus master plan.The apartments and suites have already become a big attraction for students.”It’s the most popular place on campus where our students want to reside. When we open the doors for registering for housing, they line up wanting to get into this building,” said Dr. Dennis Bazemore, vice president for Student Life. “The building is full for next year. Right now, there are about 140 students that are on a waiting list.”Photo Copy: Campbell University President Jerry Wallace, Chancellor Norman A. Wiggins, Pat Barker and Bob Barker pose beneath the plaque in the newly-named Bob Barker Hall.

This article is related to: