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Former Lt Gov of Texas Ben Barnes
Ben Barnes was born April 17, 1938 in De Leon, Texas. He was born and raised in Texas on his father’s peanut farm at Comyn, Texas between Deleon and Dublin. As a young man Barnes enrolled in Texas Christian University in Fort Worth in 1955.
He transferred over to John Tarleton College and then transferred again to the University of Texas at Austin where he finally decided to settle down – educationally speaking. He earned his under-graduate degree in business administration in 1960. Barnes’ educational travels also took him, briefly, to University of Texas and Texas Tech law schools.
While he did not finish his graduate studies in law later life saw Barnes earn two honorary law degrees from Texas Tech and also McMurray University.
From 1960 to 1973 politician Ben Barnes did everything he could as a public servant to further the advancement of higher education. He played a significant role in creating the Coordinating Board for the Texas College and University System.
In addition to his services in helping students achieve excellence in higher education, Barnes also worked hard to increase teacher’s pay.
During his tenure as Lt. Governor of Texas Barnes watched the creation of two nursing schools, a dental school, three medical schools and four senior colleges. Barnes worked a total of four terms as public servant and in during his tenure was highly interested in the progress of higher education.