UCO College of Business Professor Honored with Hall of Fame Induction
Oct. 7, 2025
The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame selected University of Central Oklahoma Professor of Business Law Jennifer Barger-Johnson, J.D., as a part of its 2025 class of inductees. Barger-Johnson is one of 12 honorees who will be recognized during the 31st annual banquet and ceremony at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 3, at the Nigh University Center, located on Central’s campus. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m.
Barger-Johnson's induction honors her distinguished career in higher education, marked by 24 years of dedication to advancing higher education and public service in Oklahoma.
“From the courtroom to the classroom, Dr. Barger-Johnson has dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of others. For 20 years, she has inspired University of Central Oklahoma students and her faculty peers by exemplifying the highest ideals as both a professor and a municipal judge,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.
“The Broncho Nation celebrates this momentous achievement alongside Dr. Barger-Johnson.”
Starting her journey at UCO in fall 2005, as an assistant professor in the College of Business, Barger-Johnson’s impressive service record includes the longest-serving, female president of the UCO Faculty Senate (four terms), UCO’s Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Societal Impact director, College of Business Promotion and Tenure Revision Task Force chairperson, Subgroup A Strategic Initiatives 2020 chairperson, College of Business Faculty Development Committee chair, copyright compliance officer, Qualifications Committee member and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Writing Team member. She has led efforts on campus in accreditation, assessment and faculty development, aligned with the HLC and AACSB standards.
Beyond academia, Barger-Johnson served as a municipal judge and a Cherokee Nation Gaming commissioner for 25 years, reflecting her dedication to justice and tribal sovereignty. In 2018, she also served as a Cherokee Nation Cyclist on the annual “Remember the Removal Ride,” which partners cyclists from the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to retrace the Trail of Tears across seven states on bicycles.
Barger-Johnson's career reflects a lifelong dedication to ethical leadership, educational excellence and public service.
The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame was established in 1994 by the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, teaching and leadership. This year’s ceremony will feature a silent auction, live music and ample networking opportunities for leaders across the education field. For tickets, visit www.ohehs.org/hof.html.
For more information about the UCO College of Business, visit www.uco.edu/cob/.
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Cutline: The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame selected University of Central Oklahoma Professor of Business Law Jennifer Barger-Johnson, pictured, J.D., as a part of its 2025 class of inductees. Barger-Johnson is one of 12 honorees who will be recognized during the 31st annual banquet and ceremony at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 3, at the Nigh University Center, located on Central’s campus.
Devan Wielgos