Dr. Wesley Barker, chair and professor of liberal studies, has been appointed interim dean of the College of Professional Advancement, announced Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Lisa Murphey Lundquist.
In making the announcement, Dr. Lundquist described Dr. Barker as a visionary leader whose ability to build community, inspire innovation, and support student and faculty success has had a significant impact across the College of Professional Advancement.
“Dr. Barker is an outstanding teacher and thoughtful academic leader who brings energy, creativity and a deep commitment to student success to everything she does,” said Dr. Lundquist. “She has earned the trust and respect of colleagues and students alike through her collaborative leadership, innovative thinking and unwavering dedication to helping learners achieve their goals. I am confident she will provide exceptional leadership for the College of Professional Advancement during this transition.”
Dr. Barker joined the College of Professional Advancement in 2013 as an assistant professor of religious studies and was named department chair in 2024. Under her leadership, the department has created a student-focused liberal studies newsletter, a student-led liberal studies virtual showcase focused on student and faculty scholarship, and an active student honor society. She has also led students in service-learning trips abroad to India and Morocco.
Dr. Barker’s scholarly work examines what it means to be human. She studies continental philosophy, specifically the work of philosopher Luce Irigaray and how her philosophy applies to contemporary questions about ethics and politics, and she has had two books published with SUNY Press.
She earned a Ph.D. with a concentration in comparative literature and religion from Emory University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree from Duke University and graduate certificates in women’s and gender studies from both Emory and Duke. She received the College of Professional Advancement Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018 and was included as one of the Women Leaders of Mercer University in 2026. Dr. Barker is a member of the National Women’s Studies Association, the Irigaray Circle, the American Academy of Religion and the American Academy of Religion-Southeast Region.
“It is my privilege to serve as interim dean of the College of Professional Advancement,” said Dr. Barker. “COPA has a long tradition of meeting students where they are and creating meaningful educational opportunities that align with their goals, responsibilities and aspirations. I look forward to working alongside our outstanding faculty and staff as we build on that tradition of supporting student success to advance our college’s mission.”
Dr. Barker succeeds Dr. Priscilla Danheiser, who retired as dean on June 30.
Dr. Danheiser spent her academic career at two private institutions: Mercer University and Wesleyan College. She joined Mercer in 2001 as director of the Center for Teaching and Learning; led the Academic Resource Center, the Learning Technologies Center and Academic Computing; and created a university-wide Teaching and Learning with Technology Faculty Institute. She served the College of Professional Advancement as associate dean for new program development and as dean of the college from 2008 to 2014. She is a tenured full professor of psychology.
Prior to joining Mercer, Dr. Danheiser served Wesleyan for 23 years in various roles, including tenured professor, director of the Rotary Internship program, director of academic advising, director of the Colorado Leadership Institute, registrar, director of the return-to-college program for non-traditional students, dean and vice president for academic affairs.
“Dr. Danheiser has devoted decades of her career to strengthening Mercer University and expanding opportunities for students and faculty,” said Dr. Lundquist. “Her visionary leadership helped shape the College of Professional Advancement into a model for serving all students, and her contributions across the University have had a lasting impact. We are deeply grateful for her years of service and wish her every happiness in retirement.”
