Welcome Assistant Vice President Dr. Stephen Barr
This message has been approved by Michael Williams, Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration, for distribution to all faculty and staff.
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Barr joined Florida State University as Assistant Vice President for Business Services.
Dr. Barr brings extensive experience in higher education leadership and university business operations to FSU. He joins us from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he most recently served as Director of Business Services, providing leadership and oversight of business and operational functions that support the university community. Prior to VCU, Dr. Barr held several related positions at Louisiana State University (LSU), further broadening his experience in supporting the operational needs of a major public research university.
Throughout his career, Dr. Barr has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and excellence in auxiliary services. He has served on the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS) Board for the East Region and has received numerous professional honors, including the NACAS Award for Innovative Achievement in Auxiliary Services. His reputation as a collaborative leader is captured in the words of David Jones of College Services Magazine: “By all accounts, Barr is the ultimate team player.”
As Assistant Vice President for Business Services, Dr. Barr will provide strategic leadership and direction for the Office of Business Services’ operations, including Dining, Bookstore, Transportation & Parking Services, Seminole Legacy Golf Club, Tucker Center, Vending & Pouring Rights, FSUCard and Campus Student Banking, Postal and Printing Services, and the Departmental Copier Program. He will work collaboratively with colleagues across FSU to enhance services for our students, faculty, staff and visitors; strengthen operational effectiveness; and identify innovative opportunities to better serve the University community.
Dr. Barr’s professional experience is complemented by a strong academic background. He earned his Master of Public Administration from Louisiana State University and his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Barr to the Florida State University family. His experience, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to higher education will be valuable assets as we continue to strengthen our operations and deliver outstanding service to the University.