Barker appointed as a new director at Jacobs

Alain Barker was appointed as the new director of entrepreneurship and career development at the Jacobs School of Music. He was also appointed as a lecturer.

Since 2013, Barker has been serving as the interim director of entrepreneurship and career development.

“In his role as interim director, Alain has distinguished himself through his dedication, creativity, foresight, leadership and vision,” Jacobs Dean Gwyn Richards said in a press release. “There is a sense of excitement about the years to come as faculty, staff and students eagerly await the realization of his plan for the future. What he develops will have a lasting impact on the education of our students.”

Barker has both a master’s and a doctor of music degree from the Jacobs School of Music. He has worked as the director of marketing and publicity for the Jacobs School of Music and as the executive director of the Bloomington Early Music Festival.

His responsibilities include the supervision of Project Jumpstart, a student-centered, student-driven entrepreneurial leadership program that connects Jacobs School students to the music profession through high-impact workshops, special projects, mentorship activities, lectures and short courses, according to the press release.

“I’m thrilled and honored to be given an opportunity to lead a program that prepares students for their professional lives,” Barker said.

“And I look forward to working closely with the Jacobs School faculty to provide a new generation of musicians with the tools and experience they need to succeed.”

He will also be taking on career advising for individual students, emerging ensembles and student groups, and fostering student participation in campus-wide entrepreneurial activities.

“Alain Barker is an outstanding choice for this position, as his innovative leadership will vault this program to new heights,” said Donald F. Kuratko, executive and academic director of the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Kelley School of Business.

“I am truly excited to work with him in bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to our extremely talented Jacobs School students.”

Project Jumpstart will partner with the Kelley School to introduce a certificate in entrepreneurship to undergraduate students at the Jacobs School of Music, according to the release.

Barker’s appointment will be effective starting July 1

Anu Kumar