Joel Arthur Barker

Joel A. Barker, Futurist, Educator, Author Dies at 80

He became known as "The Paradigm Man," teaching the concept of the "paradigm shift" around the world and beginning the corporate discussion of the importance of vision. Industry Week magazine called his videos one of the most influential series of programs in the business world. The videos have been translated into 20 languages and have been seen by more than 250 million people. His bestselling book on paradigms Discovering The Future: The Business of Paradigms is a text in more than 100 universities.

He was a patron and mentor to individuals seeking to bring paradigm-shifting ideas to reality. He received numerous awards, including two honorary doctorates. In 2008, he was identified as one of the top 100 thought leaders in personal leadership and organizational leadership by Executive Excellence Publications. The University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development named him one of their 100 most influential graduates of the past 100 years.

He was an innovative thinker with an inventive nature. He held two patents: one for a waterless toilet, and one for a more comfortable bicycle seat.

Born April 27, 1944, Joel grew up in Rochester, Minnesota, the second son of Bill and Mary Barker.

At age 10, Joel won the Rochester Push Mobile competition. As a high school student, he was awarded first place for his sports columns by the Minnesota High School Press Association and was named the "Top High School Sports Writer" in the U.S. by the American Newspaper Association.

After earning degrees in journalism and education from the University of Minnesota, he began teaching and coaching in North St. Paul. At St. Paul Academy and Summit School, he taught English and Photography and was advisor for the year book and award-winning school newspaper.

He left K-12 teaching after completing an international sabbatical to become a Futurist. He was Director of the Futures Studies Department at the Science Museum of Minnesota from 1975 to 1978 when he began his career as an Independent Futures Scholar.

He was loved for his quick wit, playful spirit, and his generous heart.

He is survived by Susan Whitney Barker, his wife of 49 years; his son, Andrew Barker (Angela); his daughter, Kelly Noble (Joe); eight grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother, John Barker (Lenore); sister, Marielle Harrison; sister, Betty Ghosh (Manas); and his first wife, Angel Crandall.

A memorial gathering is planned for Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the University Club of St. Paul, 420 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55102, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Remembrances will be shared at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Joel A. Barker Scholarship at the University of Minnesota. Make checks payable to UMF25803 - Joel A. Barker Scholarship and mail to UMF, PO Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266. Online donations give to http://z.umn.edu/Barker