Dr. Barry Lambert, Ph.D.

Headshot of Barry Lambert behind Tarleton Seal.
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Office: Administration Building, Room 212
provost@tarleton.edu
254-968-9992

Dr. Barry Lambert was named Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs on November 13, 2025. A longtime university academic leader, he brings more than 20 years of experience in academic leadership, research advancement, and student success at Tarleton State.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Lambert served as Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Retention and Persistence, where he strengthened student support systems and implemented innovative strategies to improve retention and degree completion. Additionally, in July, he was named one of 30 emerging leaders chosen to participate in the 2025 AASCU Becoming a Provost Academy (BAPA). He previously served as Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, guiding steady enrollment growth and launching Tarleton’s first STEM-based Ph.D. program. His earlier leadership roles include Interim Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation.

Since joining the Tarleton State faculty in 2003, Dr. Lambert has been a champion for academic excellence, student engagement, and institutional effectiveness. He has secured nearly $20 million in external research funding, published more than 60 refereed journal articles, and presented his work at conferences around the world. His commitment to experiential learning extends beyond the classroom after having led multiple study abroad programs and mentored students across disciplines. He is a Fellow of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Food Systems Leadership Institute.

Dr. Lambert earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science (’96) and master’s degree in biology (’98) from Tarleton State University. He earned his Ph.D. in animal sciences and industry from Kansas State University.

Academic Priorities

The mission of the Division of Academic Affairs is to assure that Tarleton graduates acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful careers, personal fulfillment and responsible citizenship in a global society. Through a faculty committed to providing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service within a personalized and supportive university experience, the Division strives to expand and ensure student success, thereby further enhancing the University’s academic standing as a comprehensive public university offering academic degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral level.

Distinctive Engagement

  • Increase the university’s commitment to outreach, partnerships, and community engagement.
  • Engage faculty, staff, current and prospective students, alumni and external stakeholders by communicating strategically and effectively across multiple platforms.
  • Enhance the reputation of the university through distinctive academic and co-curricular programs.

Academic Innovation

  • Create and deliver an innovative and relevant program mix.
  • Use innovative instructional delivery and learning environments to enhance the academic experience and promote student success.
  • Become a national model for student success.
  • Elevate academic and research profile.

Exemplary Service

  • Improve the culture of exemplary service across campus.
  • Develop and support more efficient and effective processes and systems to improve service and ensure the long-term success of the institution.
  • Implement a notable campus-wide Sustainability initiative.

Student Transformation

  • Assure students achieve academically.
  • Meaningfully engage students in and outside the classroom.
  • Provide personal growth experiences for students.

Tarleton State University has multiple academic colleges, schools and a division that aim to create an outstanding learning atmosphere for students and faculty alike. Check out these programs and the academic excellence they have to offer.