In memoriam: Albert Barber, UCLA vice chancellor of research programs for 20 years

Albert “Al” A. Barber, who served as vice chancellor of research programs at UCLA from 1971 to 1991, died at age 87 from lung cancer at his home in Upperville, Virginia, on July 30.

Born July 13, 1929, in Providence, Rhode Island, Barber received his baccalaureate and master’s degrees from the University of Rhode Island. He then served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. Following his military service, Barber received a Ph.D. in zoology from Duke University in 1958.

Barber joined the faculty of the UCLA Department of Zoology in 1958 and was granted tenure in 1964.  After serving as chair of the department from 1968-1970, he was appointed vice chancellor of research programs in 1971 by then-Chancellor Charles E. Young. He held that position for 20 years.  During this time, he served on numerous statewide committees and task forces, including the Executive Committee of the California Biomedical Research Association from 1982 to 1991.  He chaired the association’s Executive Committee in 1987-1988.

Barber retired from UCLA in 1991 and relocated to Upperville, Virginia. He came out of retirement in 1992-93 to serve as interim director of the University of California Office of Federal Relations in Washington, D.C.

Barber was a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; the American Physiological Society; the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; and Phi Beta Kappa. During his tenure as vice chancellor, Barber also served on several task forces of the Association of American Universities, the nation’s most prominent organization for U.S. and Canadian research universities, as well as several committees of the National Academy of Sciences and the Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable.

Following retirement, Barber became active with the Upperville Colt and Horse Show, a Virginia tradition since 1853 and the oldest horse show in the U.S. He served as treasurer of the organization for many years and was recognized on the organization’s Wall of Honor in June. He was also active in the Goose Creek Association of Middleburg, Virginia, a historical heritage organization, and in the Buchanan Hall Restoration Project in Upperville.  Barber served as treasurer of both organizations.

Barber is survived by his wife, Lynn Grinna; two children from a previous marriage, Bonnie Barber and Bradley Barber; and by two grandchildren, Helaina and Miles Barber.