James Barrett believed deeply in the power of education—and in the responsibility to protect open dialogue and diverse viewpoints.
Before his passing, the former Northern Arizona University employee of 22 years established two planned gifts to the university: a scholarship for students in the College of Education and a fund to launch a politically liberal lecture series in the Department of Politics and International Affairs. Together, these gifts form the James W. Barrett Jr. Teaching Scholarship and the James W. Barrett Jr. Endowed Fund for the Liberal Arts—two lasting contributions that will support future educators and promote robust public discourse at NAU.
The scholarship will assist students with financial need who are pursuing teaching careers, while the lecture series will bring speakers with politically liberal viewpoints to NAU to engage the campus community on topics relevant to current events.
“Mr. Barrett’s generous gift will provide students with the opportunity to engage with thought-provoking speakers and ideas. They will be exposed to a variety of viewpoints that will enable them to think critically, analyze new information carefully, and take part in thoughtful dialogue,” says Chair and Teaching Professor of NAU’s Politics & International Affairs Gretchen Knudson Gee. “We are so thankful for this opportunity to help students learn and grow intellectually.”
Barrett worked for NAU as a custodian—a role he held with pride. But that was only one part of a life defined by service, curiosity, and quiet generosity.
Born in Tucson, Barrett earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from California Western, a master’s in political science and government from the University of Arizona, and two teaching certifications from NAU. Over the years, he built a multifaceted career in education with interests in art and design before finding his long-term professional home at NAU.
“He naturally sought out knowledge from an early age, immersing himself in books and seeking lively conversation,” says his brother, Thomas Perry Barrett. “Political events especially interested him.”
Barrett’s early interest in politics led him to serve in the U.S. State Department before joining the Navy during the Vietnam War. He then went on to teach on the Navajo Nation, work that Thomas said left a lasting impact.
Barrett’s dual focus on informed dialogue and accessible education are at the heart of his planned gifts. And at a time when public discourse feels increasingly fractured, Thomas sees his brother’s legacy at NAU as not only generous, but necessary.
“People are unfortunately more siloed than ever in their social media feeds,” he says. “Hopefully, James’s lecture series and scholarship will help keep a range of voices and viewpoints in the room so that there is an exchange of thoughts.”
Through his gift, James Barrett will continue to give back to NAU—supporting students who want to teach, fostering conversations that matter, and helping ensure the university remains a place where ideas can flourish.
