Dr. Robert A. Barnhardt

1937 - 2024

Dr. Robert A. Barnhardt

September 21, 1937 - December 23, 2024

Raleigh, North Carolina - Dr. Robert A. Barnhardt lectured and consulted for textile corporations around the world. He led the NC State College of Textiles in partnerships with universities and industry, and he positioned the college to expand its influence beyond traditional manufacturing.

He was called to serve at the highest levels of university administration.

But for all his many accomplishments, he was most proud of what he did in the classroom: Every year for 44 years in a row, he taught at least one college course.

Bob was a collaborator, a leader, and a generous mentor. And, after a life of service to students, industry, and his community, he passed away peacefully on December 23 at the age of 87.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Sandrock Barnhardt, on July 28, 2023. Though the couple grew up near each other in Pittston, PA, they didn't date until a hometown dance brought them together as adults – Bob was in graduate school at the time, and Shirley was teaching high school math.

They married in 1961 and became a team. Shirley was Bob's lifelong companion and travel buddy – and organizer behind the many work functions they hosted as Bob's career advanced.

Bob started his education with a BS in Textile Engineering from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (PCTS – later Philadelphia University). He earned an MS from the Institute of Textile of Technology (ITT), then a Master of Education and a Doctorate of Higher Education Administration from the University of Virginia.

He gained on-the-job experience at Milliken, DuPont, and J.P. Stevens. But academia is where he gained his appreciation for the rich diversity of textiles applications. Not yet 30 years old, he'd served two years as Chair of the Department of Textiles at PCTS when he was recruited as Dean and Director of Education at ITT. He rose to the offices of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at ITT, and his emphasis on international collaboration earned the attention of NC State as it searched for the next Dean of its College of Textiles.

Bob took the job. It was 1987.

His arrival heralded a period of growth for the college even as the industry experienced a downturn. He oversaw Textiles' move from Main Campus to Centennial Campus, the first NC State college to do so. He led the college in student enrollment growth, a tenfold increase in research expenditures, collaborations with engineering and management, expansion from traditional textiles applications to nonwovens and biomedical research, and he set the college on course to move beyond manufacturing to become what it is today – a premier hub known worldwide for textiles education, research, and innovation.

Created under his tenure as dean: a PhD in Textile Technology Management and an MS in Textile Engineering, accreditation of the Textile Engineering program, the National Textile Center, the Nonwovens Cooperative Research Center, Center for Research on Textile Protection and Comfort, and the Consortium for Research and Development on Supercritical Field Technology in Textile Processing.

Bob retired as Dean in 1999. In 2000, he was called to serve as Interim Chancellor for ITT. Three years later, he would be instrumental in relocating the institute from Charlottesville, Va., to NC State's Centennial Campus, forming a new program with the College of Textiles.

In 2003, NC State tapped Bob to be Interim Provost, and in 2004, he served the university as Interim Chancellor.

He finally retired from the university in 2005.

Bob was active in many professional associations and served on boards at Philadelphia University, NC State, and University of Virginia. His awards were many and varied, reflecting the breadth of his interests and talents: from the Watauga by the NC State Board of Trustees to the Institute Medal, recognizing distinguished service, by the United Kingdom's Textile Institute.

Outside of his work, he enjoyed community and friends.

He treasured his friendships at the Cypress of Raleigh – Sandwich Club members as well as their stimulating papers, and the Tuesday luncheons of the CRUDS (Council of Retired University Deans) – and the Great Decisions presentations and discussions. He also sang in the choir at St. Timothy's in Raleigh and served as president of the Rotary Club of West Raleigh.

In addition to Shirley, Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Tobias Barnhardt and Janet MacCartney Barnhardt; brother, L. Edward Barnhardt; and sister, Evelyn Barnhardt Dendle. Shirley was an only child, preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Walter Sandrock.

Funeral services for Bob and Shirley will be held Saturday, February 1, at 11 a.m. at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 4523 Six Forks Road, in Raleigh. A reception will follow at the church. Internment will be at the Memorial Shrine Cemetery in Carverton, PA.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Robert A. and Shirley Barnhardt Endowment at the NC Textile Foundation, 1020 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh NC 27606. Please make checks payable to the NC Textile Foundation.

If you wish to make a gift online, visit give.ncsu.edu/textiles; search and select the Robert A. and Shirley Barnhardt Endowment (310085/631051).