Athletic director Milburn Barton has announced his retirement from Northwestern Oklahoma State University effective at the end of his current contract in June, but that does not mean he will be leaving the institution.

Barton will continue to serve as head women’s basketball coach and is anxious to return for his 24th season on the bench. 

 “I feel the timing is right for me to retire, but I still have the passion and desire to coach,” said Barton. “I’m thankful to President (Janet) Cunningham for allowing me the opportunity to continue the process of building our women’s basketball team.”

Cunningham praised Barton for his work as athletic director and is pleased that he will continue to guide the women’s basketball program.

“Milburn Barton has meant a great deal to Northwestern and to our athletic program for nearly 30 years,” Cunningham said. “While I will miss his leadership of the athletic program, I am looking forward to him continuing his role as a coach.”

Barton began his coaching career at Northwestern in 1977 as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team. A year later he became women’s head coach and led the Lady Rangers until 1998, when he became athletic director.

He reassumed the helm of the women’s program in 2004 while continuing to serve as athletic director.

Under Barton’s direction, Northwestern’s athletic program has grown from four sports to 11 and made the transition into the Sooner Athletic Conference. During his time as athletic director, Northwestern played host to 10 football national playoff games, winning the national title in 1999 and making championship game appearances in 2000 and 2003. Northwestern also has hosted conference tournaments in baseball and softball.