According to sources, Liberty athletic director Jeff Barber has resigned. The school has made the official announcement. In the official release, Barber said, “It has been a blessing for my family and me to have been a part of the Liberty family for the past nearly 11 years. As this new chapter of our lives begins, I wish nothing but the best for the Flames and am excited to follow the future successes of all the teams.”
Barber was named the Director of Athletics at Liberty University on Jan. 23, 2006, becoming the 10th Director of Athletics in the history of the University. Under his leadership, the Flames won 6 consecutive Big South Sasser Cups from 2008-2013. The Sasser Cup is awarded annually to the top athletic program in the Big South Conference.
One of his main goals, guiding Liberty into Division I FBS, was never realized under his leadership. Barber has spearheaded facility improvement projects in every athletics venue, highlighted most recently by the new, 2,500-seat Liberty Baseball Stadium, which opened in February 2013. Additionally, a new basketball practice facility was constructed behind the Vines Center and the Matthes-Hopkins Track Complex was completely rebuilt.
Barber came to Liberty after spending 10 years at South Carolina, including his last three years as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development/Gamecock Club Executive Director. He also worked for four years apiece in both the Furman and East Carolina athletic departments. Barber graduated cum laude at East Carolina in 1981 with a bachelor of science degree in health, physical education and recreation. In 1997, he continued his education with a degree from the Sports Management Institute, graduating as class spokesman.
