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jbardo@email.wcu.edu
John W. Bardo has been the Chancellor of Western Carolina University since 1995. Prior to coming to Western, he held various administrative and academic appointments at Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts, the University of North Florida, Southwest Texas State University, and Wichita State University. He also has been a Fulbright Scholar at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and a Guest Visiting Professor in the Social Policy Program at the University of Wales, Swansea, Wales.
Dr. Bardo holds a doctorate in sociology from the Ohio State University, a master of arts degree in sociology from Ohio University, and a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Cincinnati. He has written articles for more than seventy professional publications and two books on a variety of topics, including community development, technology in education, social and psychological adjustment to migration, and higher education policy. He currently speaks widely on issues of technology in education and the role of higher education in economic and community development.
During the last several years, the faculty and staff at Western Carolina have made significant strides in becoming a nationally recognized center for teaching and learning. Western was the first University of North Carolina campus (and one of the first dozen public universities in the United States) to implement a "computer admission standard." WCU's unique "open network" standard is getting national attention, and it was recently featured in Apple Computer's educational publications. Western also was the UNC system's first "networked campus," with more than 6,000 Internet connections on campus, including two connections in every residence hall room. (Truly a "port by every pillow.")
WCU is not just interested in technology; the institution's newly implemented freshman transition programs, strong advising system, attention to the individual student, and residential honors college are all becoming models for other universities nationally.
Brief Résumé
John W. Bardo
Ph.D. The Ohio State University, 1973 (Sociology)
M.A. Ohio University, 1971 (Sociology)
B.A. University of Cincinnati, 1970 (Economics)
----- University of Southampton, England, 1968-1969 (visiting student in economics and social administration)
----- Institute for Educational Management, Harvard University, 1987
Recent Appointments
Western Carolina University Chancellor 1995-present
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Bridgewater State College Provost/Vice President 1990-1995
Bridgewater, MA 02324
Previous appointments at the University of North Florida, Southwest Texas State University, The University College of Wales at Swansea, Wichita State University, and Monash University (Melbourne, Australia).
Publications
Two books and more than seventy articles, book chapters, technical reports, inclusions in proceedings, and other publications. Current research interests are focused on linkages between higher education and economic competitiveness in a global economy. Along with Paul Evans, Dr. Bardo has recently completed a book-length manuscript on the subject.
Grants, Contracts, and Fundraising
Major fundraising activities have resulted in 15 endowed professorships, federal funding of two technology buildings, and technology infrastructure. Funds have been received from public and private sources for several research projects. Among these are a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award to Australia and two NATO grants for research in Turkey.
Professional Activities
Regular speaker regarding issues in higher education especially related to economic development and the role of technology in education. Serves on various boards including MCNC, e-NC, Educational and Research Consortium of the Western Carolinas, North Carolina Board of Science and Technology, Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), North Carolina Arboretum, and the NCAA Minority Opportunities & Interests Committee.