Roger L. Barker was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein in recognition of his decades of committed research and teaching at NC State and contributions to fire safety. 

As he retired from the Wilson College on July 1, Barker celebrated forty-five years of service at NC State University. As the Burlington Distinguished Professor of Textile Technology and Emeritus Director of the Milliken Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC), he was recommended to the order in commemoration of his exceptional contributions to his school and state.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine recognizes North Carolina civilians for outstanding contributions to their state and local communities. Established in 1963, the award is one of the most prestigious civilian honors granted by the governor. Notable past recipients include Maya Angelou, Michael Jordan, Billy Graham and Dale Earnhardt.

Industry Impact

Barker’s impact on the Wilson College will be seen and felt for decades to come. As the founder of the TPACC, he established the most advanced and collaborative facility for the testing and research of protective gear for firefighters, first responders and military. 

With over $75 million in funding generated over its lifetime, TPACC is unrivaled in its technological leadership and advancement of protective textiles, literally saving lives through collaboration with government, industry and academia. In his letter recommending Barker to the award, Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean David Hinks wrote about the center:

“TPACC’s impactful role in the development of innovative high-performance textiles significantly contributes to the safety of every citizen – by protecting those who protect us all – as well as advancing the economy and job growth in North Carolina and the nation. It owes much of its success to Dr. Barker’s decades of leadership and vision.”

Barker has personally developed industry-changing protective gear, such as technologies that have reduced burn injuries and exposure to harmful chemicals and smoke. He has developed more effective fire-blocking shelters for wildfire fighters as well as the first firefighter suit to protect against both fire and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Outside of academia, Barker has ensured his research is benefitting the people who need it most. He served on the National Academy of Science Committee that reviewed the National Institute of Occupational Safety. He is also the first academic member on the National Fire Protection Association committee, which reviews all protective gear standards for emergency responders. He organized and chaired the first American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Symposium on Protective Clothing held in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Recognition and Teaching

In February 2026, the ASTM established the Roger L. Barker Award of Excellence. Given out annually to an individual doing exemplary work in the field of worker safety and health, the award is a testament to Barker’s impact on the industry and redefining of worker health standards. The award is the first such honor given by the ASTM Committee on Standards for protective clothing in its fifty years of existence.

Barker was awarded the Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence in 2015 for his dedication to excellence in teaching and research. He also received the prestigious Bruce W. Teele Excellence Award, a recognition given to him by the Fire Service Industry for his contributions to the safety and health of firefighters.

Barker has published research in prestigious journals specializing in everything from wildfires to polymers, including The Journal of The Textile Institute, the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, the International Journal of Wildland Fire, the Textile Research Journal and many more.

Barker has also been deeply committed to his teaching responsibilities in the Wilson College, influencing and inspiring generations of textiles professionals. He was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award in 1987, the most prestigious award for teaching given to faculty at NC State. About Barker’s teaching, Prakash Chand Kochhar Dean David Hinks wrote:

“Two generations of his student graduates have become leaders in protective clothing, performance textiles or related fields. He has been a deep asset to our college with decades of commitment to our students.”