Our President

William D. Barker, Ph.D., is an award-winning scholar, military chaplain, and entrepreneur. Barker earned a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies (Jewish Studies) and International Affairs (Middle East Studies) from Gordon College, an M.Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Middle Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Cambridge University. He also completed studies at Jerusalem University College, Israel.

Utilizing 16 research languages, Barker authored Isaiah’s Kingship Polemic – one of only two Hebrew Bible books published per decade by the prestigious firm, Mohr Siebeck. In 2004 Barker was appointed a permanent Fellow of the Cambridge University Overseas Society. Barker is a contributing author to Zondervan’s Archaeology Study Bible, an editor for multiple publications, and the author of 43 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers. At institutions in the U.S., England, and India, Barker has taught courses in the Hebrew Bible, Jewish Literature, the Liberal Arts, Global Engagement, and the Middle East. He recently served as the Executive Director of the Global Honors Institute and the Center for Faith and Inquiry at Gordon College. Barker is also a regular guest lecturer for the USAF Academy.

With a pastoral heart, Barker serves as a Chaplain with the USAF Reserve. A decorated combat veteran, Barker has deployed to multiple nations in the Middle East and Africa, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Outside of the military, Barker has preached and pastored in contexts throughout the world, including Ecuador, England, Guatemala, India, and Jordan.

Entrepreneurial innovations and strategic planning characterize Dr. Barker’s leadership. His diverse business experience includes founding Horizons Soup Kitchen with a one-time grant of $4,000. Based on Barker’s strategic plan, Horizons now serves 50,000 meals per year to those in need with an annual budget over $2 million. In his military role, Barker successfully launched strategic initiatives impacting 20,000 Air Commandos and their families around the world. Barker also co-founded a marketing firm, raising an average of $200 million in assets managed per client. At Gordon College, Barker’s leadership played a key role in raising or realigning over $77 million.

Those who know Dr. Barker best describe him as a passionate Christ-follower, with great integrity, loyalty, intentionality, and humility. Dr. Barker’s pride and joy is his family. He is the devoted husband of Sara, and the proud father of four wonderful children: Aidin (15), Catharine (11), Isaiah (9), and Rebecca (6).