Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced its support for President Trump's nomination of David Barker as Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. In this role, Dr. Barker will focus on enhancing outcomes and accountability in postsecondary education. His responsibilities will include leading reforms to accreditation, improving federal student aid programs, and ensuring that grant programs align with agency priorities.
David Barker brings extensive experience in higher education policy and governance to the position. He is a sixth-generation Iowan with a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Chicago. Barker has taught economics at both the University of Chicago and the University of Iowa. Over the past six years, he has served on the Iowa Board of Regents, which manages the state's public universities. During his time there, he contributed significantly to cost control measures, academic freedom promotion, and ending discriminatory DEI programs.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa expressed her support for Barker's nomination: “Sixth generation Iowan David Barker has a proven 40-year track record as a successful entrepreneur and led the fight on the Iowa Board of Regents to undo restrictive COVID-19 mandates on students. He is a great pick by President Trump to serve as Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education.”
