Queen's Athletics & Recreation has announced that Scott Barker has joined the department as Director, High Performance Programs. In this role, Barker will oversee all aspects of the Gaels' Varsity Sport programs and provide guidance, support and mentorship to a breadth of people who are dedicated to the delivery of sport at Queen's University.

Barker will provide strategic direction for Varsity Sport at Queen's, while continuing to advance programs and services that support student-athletes, and across all sanctioned varsity programs ensuring an inclusive and unified approach in the delivery of high performance sport and achievement of excellence as defined by the A&R Strategy.

"I am thrilled to welcome Scott to Queen's Athletics & Recreation," said Linda Melnick, Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation. "Scott brings significant experience and a proven track record of leadership in university sport. His expertise will be instrumental in advancing our Varsity Sport programs, and his approach strongly aligns with the values of Athletics & Recreation. We're confident his leadership will continue to elevate the student-athlete experience at Queen's."

Prior to joining Queen's, Barker served as Director, Athletics & Recreation at Ontario Tech University from 2015 to 2025. In that role, he oversaw a team of more than 60 staff and coaches, leading the development and implementation of both short- and long-term strategic plans.

He was responsible for the planning, management, and evaluation of annual operating and capital budgets, as well as facilities across two campuses. Barker also guided the strategic vision for high-performance sport and recreation programming, increasing community engagement and generating new revenue through partnerships with external organizations.

Before becoming Director, Barker spent a decade as Manager of Athletics (2005–2015). Over more than 20 years with the Ridgebacks, he played a key role in building the department from the ground up, growing it to include 20 full-time and more than 30 part-time staff and coaches, 16 varsity teams, over 230 student-athletes, and five athletic facilities.

Barker has also contributed on the national and provincial stage, serving as Assistant Head of Delegation and Operations Manager for Team Canada at the World University Games in Italy. He also served as President of the OUA in 2018–19, working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, athletic directors, and member institutions to provide strategic leadership in support of the conference's mission and long-term goals.

"I'm very excited to be joining Queen's Athletics & Recreation. The department has built a strong reputation nationally for supporting student-athletes in reaching their full potential, both on and off the playing surface," said Barker. "I'd like to thank Linda Melnick for this opportunity, and I look forward to building on that momentum, contributing to the department's priorities, and advancing a strategic vision that fosters an exceptional student-athlete experience and an inclusive, supportive community."

Barker holds a Master of Arts degree with a specialization in Post Secondary Education from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies from Brock University.

Barker officially joined the Gaels in March.