Christopher Barker finds his niche

ASHLAND, Ohio -- Christopher Barker is a non-traditional online student who is certain of his career path.

It wasn’t always that way.

He took the two years of culinary classes at Stow Munroe Falls High School before graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School and thought he might want to get involved in that field, only to realize cooking was more of a hobby. He went on be interested in journalism, but that never materialized.

But when he started working at the Registrar’s Office at Ashland University, he quickly found his passion.

“I realized my calling was higher ed administration,” Barker said. “It gives me a lot of joy, and I love working with students.”

Barker works mainly with graduating students. He’s extra busy around Commencement, a time he cherishes. 

“There was a moment early on at work when I realized how great it is handing a diploma to a student once they’ve completed their degree,” Barker said. “They are so excited. It makes me smile and proud to be working at Ashland and going to school here.”

Barker recently graduated with an Associate degree, majoring in General Studies with a Business Cognate. Employed full-time in the Registrar’s Office, Barker is currently working on his Bachelor’s degree with future plans of getting his Master’s.

“I really like how flexible the online program is,” Barker said. “At work, I do some classwork during lunch, maybe watch a lecture and take notes.  Being online allows me the ability to somewhat work on my own schedule.  Of course, there are due dates on projects, but the flexibility is great, especially working full-time.”

Enrolled in the non-traditional online program, Barker has never felt like he’s missed out on the Ashland experience.

“Whether you are an online student or on-campus student, Ashland makes you feel like part of the community,” Barker said. “It’s like a family. Ashland considers its online students just as important as traditional students. Online Students get a lot of support.”

Part of Barker’s support came from his friends Racheal Yocum, who works as a GOAS academic Advisor for online students, and her husband Chris, who is the institutional research analyst at Ashland. Both Racheal and Chris pushed Barker to take the necessary coursework that will eventually lead him to getting his Master’s degree.

It’s an educational journey Barker continues to enjoy every step of the way.

“The business program at Ashland is very good,” Barker said. “And when you couple that with the university’s core courses, it’s a really good experience. Ashland’s professors help students determine how to think about things, then it’s up to the student to apply what is important. I’m so glad I chose Ashland. Working in the Registrar’s Office makes it even more special for me.”

Work definitely keeps Barker busy. The duties of the Registrar's Office include registration rounded for courses, requests to withdraw from courses, declaring majors and minors, advisor changes, verification of enrollment, transfer credit and transcript requests. The office is also responsible for the University’s course and exam schedules as well as the Academic Calendar.

But it’s the handing out of diplomas that is Barker’s favorite part of his job.

“There’s nothing like seeing the look on a graduate’s face when they hold that piece of paper,” he said.

Barker’s ultimate goal is to become a Registrar. With his AU education and full-time job, he’s well on his way.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.###