KENOSHA, Wis. – Chris Barker, the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Administration & Revenue Generation, has been named as a 2019-20 NCAA Pathway Program participant, the same program Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin graduated from.
 
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"I am humbled, excited and thankful by this opportunity to further my knowledge as an administrator and leader," Barker said. "I have been fortunate to have worked for good leaders throughout my career, and aspire to someday lead my own department and create sustainable practices within a department of athletics. I would like to thank Andrew Gavin for nominating me for this opportunity, and I look forward to this year long program."
 
The NCAA Leadership Office has invited 22 senior administrators for this yearlong program that incorporates a diverse mix of scenario assignments, higher education and athletics leadership engagement, and a thorough exploration of the NCAA governance process. Participants engage in a series of experiential learning opportunities focused on advancing them to the top role in an athletics department or conference. This includes how to thrive in the ever-evolving intercollegiate athletics landscape.
 
"On behalf of Parkside Athletics, I'm proud of Chris for earning the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Pathway Program," Gavin said. "As a graduate of the Pathway Program, I know firsthand the impactful experience that Chris will be provided through the NCAA's Leadership Development office and the relationships he will build with his mentors and peers. He is a rising star on campus, in our community, and within our industry, and this opportunity will afford him the chance to continue to grow personally and professionally while representing Parkside Athletics and our University."
 
Barker joined Parkside Athletics in March of 2018 after spending nearly three years at Carthage College as the Assistant Director of Athletics. At Parkside, Barker oversees all aspects of budgeting, revenue generation, financial management, event management, facility operations, camps/clinics and NCAA/governmental reporting for the department.