HU Hires New Director of Student Success

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce that Isaac Barber has been hired as the director of student success. Barber will succeed Scott Raymond, who announced his retirement earlier this year, effective August 15.

Barber comes to Huntington with six years of experience in higher education, first as a resident director, then as area coordinator of freshmen curriculum followed by director of residence life and graduate admissions.

“I was a history education major during my undergraduate time at Greenville University, and I loved the classes, but by the end, I had zero intention of being a teacher,” said Barber. “I got more involved with higher education beyond my RA job and eventually landed a job as a residential director and fell in love.”

With roots already in the Midwest, Barber is, in some ways, returning home. He was born and raised in Chicago and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from Greenville College in Illinois. His education then took him to Virginia, where he earned his Master of Divinity degree with a specialization in leadership from Liberty University.

Daniel Solms, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, pointed out that Barber’s background in ministry leadership and student life has positioned him well for this new role. The focus of the Office of Student Success is serving students, often when they are at their most vulnerable.

“Everyone who interviewed Isaac loved him. He’s a gifted connector who genuinely cares for people — those attributes make him a natural for the Forester Nation,” said Solms. “On top of that, he’s a good strategist and a problem-solver. Isaac will no doubt become a leader at Huntington.”

Barber describes himself as a “big-time extrovert, with a big-time nerdy side when it comes to data and trends in higher education,” which sets him up well to lead the Office of Student Success.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to serve students in this way. At an early age we are taught that we could be whatever we want to be,” said Barber. “We are also taught that there is nothing that is impossible with the help of God. Huntington is a place that sees those promises and seeks to create an environment that allows those things to be true. I am excited to be a part of that. I also love to be able to support students in their own arena outside of the classroom. I love attending students’ concerts, sporting events, and being a part of tradition.”

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The nonprofit university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).