By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com
A change of leadership has been announced by the Board of Trustees for Barclay College in Haviland.
On February 8, 2025, Keith Custer, College Board of Trustees Chairman, announced that Dr. Derek Brown will assume the role as the institution’s 17 President, effective July 1, 2025.
Brown will replace Dr. Royce Frazier who has served as President of Barclay College since 2010. Frazier has announced his retirement effective at the close of the current school year, June 30, 2025.
“The Board of Trustees is confident in Dr. Brown’s proven leadership and looks forward to working with him as he guides Barclay College into a new era of ministry and growth,” said Custer.
Brown currently serves as V.P. for Academic Services and was previously V.P. for Graduate Studies and Distance Learning, V.P. for Graduate Studies, and a graduate school director at Barclay College. He graduated from Barclay with a B.A. in Theology, then earned an M.A. in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
Brown earned his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Johnson University, where his dissertation explored the adoption of the pastoral system by the Kansas Yearly Meeting of Friends in the late 19th century. He has published books and articles regarding the pastoral role within the American Friends Church.
Brown started his ministry at the early age of 19 as an associate pastor and then, at the age of 22, received his full-time pastoral position. He continues to serve local churches by filling in at the pulpit. Brown also serves on the USD 474 Board of Education and the South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative Board.
He is married to his college sweetheart, Jessica, and they have twin girls, Sophia and Sarah.
Frazier, who became the V.P. of Academics at Barclay College in 2008, was named President of Barclay College in 2010. He carried on the legacy of his father, Herb Frazier, who was Barclay College President prior to his step into that role.
“Through his [Royce’s] leadership and passion for the college, we have navigated the good times and tough times, always giving God the glory and seeking His wisdom during those times,” said Custer. “It is with appreciation of Dr. Frazier’s service to the college over these many years that the Board of Trustees wishes him a well-deserved retirement and appreciates his continued support of the College.”
Along with attending to the duties of president, Frazier taught numerous undergraduate and graduate classes. He will continue to make himself available to the college in whatever capacity the new administration sees fit, Custer said.
Barclay College is a private 4-year college in Haviland, Kansas. Founded by the Evangelical Friends, it is known for ministry degrees as well as degrees in other professional fields such as nursing, education, criminal justice, business, and music theatre. The college’s mission is to prepare students in a Bible-centered environment for effective Christian life, service, and leadership. Information about associate, bachelor, and master programs for in-person and online study is available at www.barclaycollege.edu.
