Jay Barth of Little Rock has been named as the new director of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) announced Wednesday.
In his new role, which will begin on Sunday, Barth will coordinate all the efforts of the Clinton Library with the NARA. He succeeds Terri Garner was hired for the post in November 2007.
“I am pleased that Dr. Jay Barth will serve as the director of the Clinton Presidential Library. He brings with him a commitment to promoting civic engagement, one of the guiding principles of the Clinton Foundation,” said former President Bill Clinton. “I’m proud of what my Presidential Library has achieved during the first 18 years, and I know it is in good hands with Jay at the helm.”
Barth has nearly three decades of experience teaching and researching various aspects of American politics, along with work enhancing civic engagement programming in higher education settings. He began his career as a member of the Department of Politics at Hendrix College in Conway.
In addition to his 26 years at Hendrix, Barth was a member of the inaugural faculty for the University of Arkansas’ Clinton School of Public Service and has taught at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. He is also a contributor to Talk Business & Politics, where he has provided analysis of public opinion surveys conducted by the news organization for more than a decade.
Since taking emeritus status at Hendrix in late 2019, Barth has been the chief education officer for the City of Little Rock. Barth also served a seven-year stint on the Arkansas State Board of Education.
Barth received a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Hendrix College and a master’s degree and a doctorate in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum is one of 15 presidential libraries in the Presidential Library system administered by the National Archives. Presidential Libraries promote understanding of the Presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire.
