• Dr. James B. Barksdale, Jr.  is now Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Western Kentucky University.  He completed his Ph.D. Degree (summer 1968) in mathematics (functional analysis) at the University of Arkansas.  Dr. Barksdale launched his teaching career via a graduate assistantship award during his undergraduate senior year at the University of Arkansas in January of 1963.  Since then, he has taught at least one mathematics course during each of the following 50 academic years (through June 2013).  He became assistant professor of Mathematics at Western Kentucky University in August 1968, and has remained at Western since that time (45 years of service).  During his tenure at WKU, Dr. Barksdale has taught almost every course offered by the Department of Mathematics; has created and presented new courses and course proposals for both the graduate and undergraduate mathematics curriculum (viz., Functional Analysis - Math 560, Difference Equations (special topics) - Math 590, Algebra and Computing for Elementary Teachers (summer 1996) -  Math 413G); and, he has chaired committees in writing a variety of departmental reports for state councils (KY Council on Higher Education) and regional accrediting agencies (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools).  Dr. Barksdale also served as the Departmental Webmaster from January 2004 until June 2011.  As of July 01, 2006, Dr. Barksdale retired from full-time service and became a participant in the WKU Transitional Retirement Plan; upon completing his TRP in July of 2011, he was awarded the honor and title of Emeritus Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science.  The Kentucky Teachers Retirement System  provides the option for such emeritus faculty to continue teaching up to 12 hours per future academic year beyond their full-retirement date.  Dr. Barksdale plans to exercise this option during some of those future years.

• He has delivered numerous presentations at NCTM conferences; MAA conferences; Kentucky Academy of Science conferences; and, at university and college symposia and colloquia.  Other professional contributions include publication of journal articles; completion of numerous journal refereeing assignments; service as an MAA Visiting Lecturer (two 4-year service terms); and, service as an officer and newsletter editor (two 3-year service terms) of the Kentucky Section of MAA.

• His direct involvement with secondary and middle grades school mathematics education includes experience as a former high school teacher; as a frequent high school classroom visitor and presenter of mathematical topics; as a keynote speaker to district conferences and in-service consortia in Kentucky and Ohio; as an invited speaker to the Mu Alpha Theta State Conference; as the departmental coordinator, speaker and participant for the now retired Hilltopper Science Days Program designed and sponsored for the regional public schools; and, as an active participant with secondary and junior high school mathematics and computer science regional and state contests.  Dr. Barksdale has also participated in prior NSF sponsored grants involving the development of visual program presentations and computer assisted instruction modules.
   

I.  Professional Conference Presentations

II.  Colloquia/Symposia Presentations