A 1970 graduate of Carson-Newman College and a member of the athletic department since 1980, David Barger is in his 17th season as athletic director and is the dean of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) athletic directors. Since coming on board 26 years ago, Barger has been involved in all facets of the program. He has used that knowledge and expertise to build one of the premier athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level.

As athletic director, he oversaw Carson-Newman's move from the NAIA ranks to NCAA Division II (1993-94). Barger has served on NCAA committees and directed numerous NCAA postseason events on the C-N campus in the sports of football, soccer, wrestling and basketball. He played an instrumental role in the renovation of Holt Fieldhouse and the construction of the Maddox Student Activities Center during the 1992-93 sports year. Barger has had significant input in the planning and promotion of the new Burke-Tarr Stadium.

The Athletic Department has also undergone changes in regards to gender equity as the women's programs have been upgraded under Barger's leadership. There has been a twenty percent increase in the number of student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics since Barger became A.D.

Prior to taking the A.D. post on an interim basis in Feb., 1990, and receiving a permanent appointment in May 1990, Barger had served the Carson-Newman athletic program in many ways. His service to the college dates back to his days spent here in pursuit of a degree.

Following his high school days at Chattanooga Red Bank where he was recently inducted into the school's Hall of Fame, Barger worked as a student athletic trainer while earning a degree in business administration. That area of study was put to good use over the next ten years as he worked as an auditor and controller in the banking industry in Chattanooga and Morristown.

In the years following his graduation, Barger continued to serve the athletic department and Carson-Newman in numerous capacities. He served as vice president and president of the National Alumni Association and president of the Eagle Club. He also served as a member of the Alumni Executive Committee, member of the Board of Advisors and president of the Chattanooga alumni chapter. In 1978, the C-N letterman was presented the Eagle Club's Booster of the Year award.

Barger joined the athletic department on a full-time, professional basis in 1980, when he became the director of athletic promotions. After serving in that role for nine years, he was named the director of athletic development in 1989. Just a few months later, Barger was named interim athletic director and later full-time A.D., replacing Ken Sparks.

David resides in Talbott with his wife, Malinda. The Bargers are active members of Manley Baptist Church where David serves as a deacon. They have three children Allyson (Kilgore), Paul and Philip and two grandsons, Taylor and Tanner Kilgore.