Graduate Student Lands Diversity Role on Campus

Currently pursuing a PhD in educational leadership and research with an emphasis in higher education, Marco Barker’s career at LSU only began as a student. Barker quickly ascended the ranks by landing a position as assistant to the Vice Provost for Equity, Diversity & Community Outreach.  Barker is among LSU leadership creating a more inclusive, diverse, equitable environment for students, professional and support staff, and faculty. 

Barker’s job varies greatly from day to day but includes identifying ethnic minority and female candidates for faculty hires, developing diversity reports for the campus, assessing campus climate and attitudes toward minority/majority issues, and aiding departments and colleges in assessing their diversity initiatives and progress.

Barker also collaborates with other campus equity, diversity, and community outreach units such as Multicultural Affairs, Women’s Center, Community-University Partnerships, the Ombuds Office, and eventually, International Programs.