Wesley Barker

Wesley Barker, Ph.D., joined the College of Professional Advancement in 2013 as an assistant professor of religious studies, was named department chair in 2024 and appointed interim dean in 2026. 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.

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.