Betsy Barker Named District Assistant Athletic Director

Betsy Barker, assistant principal at George Junior High School for the past five years, has been named Springdale Public School District assistant athletic director. 

 

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the entire Springdale School District in a position to impact Springdale athletics,” Barker said. “I have a coaching background along with my administrative experience and look forward to working with our district coaches, student-athletes and their families.”

 

District athletic director Wayne Stehlik added, “We’re excited Betsy is joining our athletic department family. As a former coach and award-winning administrator she will be a great asset to our department.”

 

Barker was the 2018-19 Arkansas Junior High Assistant Principal of the Year during her final year at George Junior High. She taught English for nine years and was an instructional facilitator for a year at George Junior High before being named assistant principal.

 

“We are very pleased to be moving Betsy Barker into this full time athletic administrative position,” said Superintendent Dr. Jim Rollins. “She has an outstanding history of service to our district, including being named Arkansas Assistant Principal of the Year. She has been a teacher and a coach and is well informed regarding the desired attributes of an outstanding athletic program. 

 

“The vision Betsy brings will enhance the excellent work already being done in Springdale athletics.”

 

Before moving to George Junior High, Barker was head girls’ basketball, softball and cross country coach as well as an English teacher for five years at Pea Ridge High School. Prior to Pea Ridge she was head girls’ basketball and softball coach while teaching Health at Lakeside High School in Lake Village.

 

Barker earned her bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Louisiana Tech, then earned a master’s degree in Sports Administration from San Jose State. While she was at San Jose State she was part time assistant women’s basketball coach. She received her Educational Leadership degree from Harding University.