Barker was born in Kingsport, Tennessee and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School.

He then attended Washington University in St. Louis, earning a master's degree in architecture in 1973.

[3] Following graduation, Barker was hired as an assistant professor of architecture at the University of Tennessee.

Barker became dean of architecture at Clemson University in 1986, a position he held until his election as president in 1999.

[6] Barker has overseen the creation of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research and the Restoration Institute in North Charleston (including a $98 million wind turbine research center).