Retired longtime NDSU faculty member William Barker died June 3. He was 78.

Barker, who had a 40-year career at NDSU, joined the faculty in 1968 and retired in 2008. He taught botany and range science classes, and served as curator of the NDSU herbarium.

He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Emporia State College and his doctorate in botany at the University of Kansas.

Barker contributed to “Flora of the Great Plains,” published by the University of Kansas; helped revise O.A. Steven's “Handbook of North Plants;” and was a regional reviewer for the "Flora of North America Project."

From 1969 until his retirement, Barker conducted research in partnership with the Sheyenne Valley Grazing Association and the U.S. Forest Service.

Barker was an avid fan of the Bison football team, past president of the Fargo Babe Ruth baseball program and a member of the Knights of Columbus.