FORT WORTH, Texas — In 2003, after three years on the Fort Worth City Council and four terms as mayor, Kenneth Barr figured it was time to invite the younger generation to the table.
He never imagined Tarrant County College would capture his fancy.
Sixteen years later, his passion for education (and encouragement from trustee Louise Appleman, who had declined to seek another term) led him to re-enter the electoral spotlight. He won Appleman’s District 7 seat, a seat he will relinquish April 17 when his six-year term ends.
Appleman had sought Barr’s advice for who might succeed her, little thinking it might be him. “Then one day, he said, ‘I think I’ll do it. I think I’ll run.’ I sat there … speechless. I could not believe my good fortune. I was a little surprised, but not entirely.”
She knew about his history going back to a time when there was no TCC. His father, Willard Barr, was a Fort Worth City Council member and mayor in the 1960s and a leader in the push to create a community college.
“It was sort of dinner table conversation at our house,” Kenneth Barr said. “Dad was always involved in the community and a big believer in the College and the opportunities it was going to create.”
Barr followed in his father’s footsteps out of what he called “a general interest in politics and city government,” but he said the decision was his. “Dad never really steered me in that direction, but I think he was extremely proud when I decided to run for the City Council, and he introduced me on the day I announced for mayor.”
As mayor, Barr had three top priorities — water, transportation and education. Higher education was not in his portfolio, but challenges facing the Fort Worth ISD were. He came to understand that both ends of the age range had issues.
“We’ve got to start earlier with kids before they get to school, and on the higher end we’ve got to get kids through high school and into a career. It’s a continuum. In the atmosphere we’re living in, things are changing at such a rapid rate that there’s a need for continuing education, and all of this is right in the wheelhouse of Tarrant County College.”
He noted the high demand locally for skilled professionals in health sciences, aviation, automotive, electronics. “We’ve got businesses crying for employees, and that’s an important part of what I see TCC tackling.”
Another concern is that so many in the community don’t know what TCC can accomplish. “The College enjoys a good reputation, but the sad thing is it’s better than that. Ever since I got on the Board I have been saying, ‘We’re not telling our story. We’re not getting it out.’ ”
That may be changing with the recent involvement of a firm that has created a new image and “some phenomenal advertising materials.”
Barr also credits the Legislature with providing a long-needed funding strategy for community colleges. “What it’s done is to focus on outcomes, rewarding colleges for awarding degrees and certificates — particularly in high-demand fields. We’re already doing that well. Highlighting our success is important.”
Barr’s time on the TCC Board of Trustees has not been all roses. He called the College parting ways with former Chancellor Eugene Giovannini “a challenging situation,” but the change fostered a “whole new era” in Dr. Elva LeBlanc, Giovannini’s successor.
“I’m a big fan of Dr. LeBlanc’s. She knows the College inside and out. She cares about the Board’s input. She’s working seven days a week to move the College forward in a lot of areas.”
For her part, Chancellor LeBlanc praised Barr’s service. “Trustee Barr values education and understands its importance to the business community. His tenure has brought invaluable insight that has helped maintain our relevance in a changing educational landscape.
“He has provided strong oversight of the bond program and contributed positively to the College’s financial health, and he has fostered strategic connections that led to new opportunities. I am confident that he will continue to advocate for TCC’s success while being responsive to its evolving needs.”
Barr’s record of public service over 31 of the last 35 years has earned him acclaim and awards but precious little income. His only paying civic gig was $75 a week as mayor.
“But you don’t do it for the money,” he said. “I never considered myself to be a politician and I’ve never held partisan political office, but we need people to step up, people who come for all the right reasons — and not with a heavy agenda. They come to make the city or the College better. It takes a thick skin sometimes, but I think it’s worth it to get into the arena. If you’re there for the right reasons, you can make a real difference.”
Barr has made that difference, TCC Board President Teresa Ayala said. “He loves this community, supports education and serves with passion. He has a deep understanding of governance, decision making and institutional priorities. His experience and passion for a stronger community have contributed significantly to long-term strategic planning.
“He has served as a mentor offering guidance based on years of experience, and I am confident that he will continue to be a strong voice in support of TCC.”
Barr may be leaving the TCC Board, but he still has plenty on his plate, such as chairing the Board of Trustees of Medical City Fort Worth Hospital. And he will make time for some traveling. Besides, maybe it’s just his moment to exit.
A new chancellor and new administrative hires are in place, and there’s favorable attention from the Legislature. Liken it to pocketing your chips after a winning hand.
“A good time to leave,” he said, “is when things are running well.”
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive two-year college with six campuses in Tarrant County and online classes, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.