David Barnes

He was a graduate of Myers Park High School in Charlotte. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mars Hill College(University), in Mars Hill, NC, and a Masters of Divinity in Christian Education from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He went on to earn a Doctorate degree in Education & Leadership from Spalding University, in Louisville, KY.

Dr. Barnes’s career in serving higher education students spans some 26 years. He served as Associate Vice President for Adult Programs at Spalding University in Louisville, KY. He also served as Provost of Ottawa University in Arizona, Executive Vice President of Southwestern College (Arizona Christian University), and as President of Grace University in Omaha, NE. His last post was with Ottawa University (OUAZ) in Surprise, Arizona, as Executive Director for Advancement, Church and Alumni Relations.

David was passionate about what he felt God had called him to do - working in higher education, mentoring and helping college students succeed. He was a devoted husband and father. He had a gentle spirit and was kind to everyone. He was a good listener and encourager, a “glass is half full” kind of thinker.

David is survived by his wife of 32 years, Isabel Barnes; his two sons, Noah (21) and Lucas Barnes (18) from Surprise, AZ; his parents, Bob and Betty Jo Barnes of Charlotte, NC; his sister, Donna Melton (Alan) from Landrum, SC; his niece, Jennifer Curasco (Tony), of Jacksonville, FL; and nephew, Ryan Melton (Melinda), of Travelers Rest, SC.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 13, 2019, in the Faith Arena at the Ottawa University Surprise Campus, 14470 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ 85374. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to Ottawa University, Surprise, https://secure2.convio.net/ouni/site/Donation2 via the Alumni heading on the university’s website.