New residence hall named for Fuquay entrepreneur

Buies Creek–Campbell University President Dr. Jerry Wallace and his cabinet unveiled the name designation of Bob Barker Hall, the university’s newest residence hall, on Thursday, Dec. 27. The $15 million building, which was dedicated April 27, 2007, contains 106,000 square-feet, including 75 suites and apartments.Bob Barker and his wife Pat have dedicated their time and resources to Campbell University for many years. Mr. Barker currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and Mrs. Barker serves on the Presidential Board of Advisors.”We are forever grateful to the Barkers for loving and being generous to Campbell University,” said Wallace. “Meeting the needs of our students, this is the first step in improving all the residential facilities of Campbell University.”Bob Barker, a 1965 Campbell University graduate, is chairman 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.Pat Barker is the executive vice president of the Bob Barker Company. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she 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.Bob and Pat Barker are both very active in community and church activities. Bob 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. Pat Barker has 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.Barker credits his Campbell education with helping him to succeed.”Coming to Campbell for my education was certainly a life-changing experience,” said Barker. “It opened doors for me and my family.”Photo Copy: Bob and Pat Barker at the name designation of Bob Barker Hall.

This article is related to: