Dr. John W. Bardo, chancellor of Western Carolina University
since 1995, has gained a national reputation for his emphasis
on the critical connection between higher education and economic
development. Prior to his appointment at Western, he held
administrative and faculty posts at Bridgewater State College,
the University of North Florida, Southwest Texas State University
and Wichita State University.
 Dr. Bardo holds degrees in economics and sociology and
has applied his research and experience in both fields to
shape his vision of Western as a first class educational
community committed to prosperity, growth, service and engagement
throughout Western North Carolina.
Western’s approach to economic development and outreach
was chosen for inclusion in the American Association of State
College and Universities’ “Best Practices” publication.
In addition, Dr. Bardo recently was named to chair that organization’s
national committee on economic and work force development.
In North Carolina, he is a founding member and chair of the
Educational and Research Consortium of Western North Carolina,
and he serves on a number of boards and committees including
the e-NC Authority, MCNC, and the North Carolina Board of
Science and Technology. He is a former member and co-chair
of AdvantageWest, a regional economic development commission
based in Asheville, and former chair of the North Carolina
Biotechnology Task Force.
Western Carolina University is a leading regional comprehensive
university serving a diverse student body with career-focused
studies at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The
university is currently involved in a major upgrade of its
facilities, with projects completed, underway or on the drawing
board, totaling $200 in state, federal and private funds.
These projects include new residence halls, new and renovated
academic buildings, enhanced athletic facilities, and a new
Fine and Performing Arts Center with studios, public galleries
and a 1,000 seat hall for Broadway-quality musical and theatrical
performances.
Under Dr. Bardo’s leadership, Western is actively
engaged with business and community leaders throughout the
region and across the state. With the recent acquisition
of 344 acres of land adjacent to Western’s main campus,
the university has launched the Millennial Initiative designed
both to promote exciting new educational opportunities for
faculty and students and to expand the university’s
partnership opportunities with the private sector.
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