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CORVALLIS - Former Oregon State University athletic director James G. "Jim" Barratt has been named recipient of the 1995 Dan Poling Alumni Service Award, given annually by the OSU Alumni Association.

The award recognizes alumni for exemplary service to the university. Barratt will be honored at a ceremony on Friday, Jan. 26, at the Corvallis Country Club.

Born and raised on a ranch near Heppner, Ore., Barratt graduated from OSU in 1950 with a business and technology degree. He minored in journalism, which led to a stint as editor of OSU's student newspaper, The Daily Barometer, in 1949.

In 1950, Barratt joined the staff of the OSU Alumni Association as an assistant director and editor of The Oregon Stater, the association's alumni publication.

In 1952, he became business and ticket manager for athletics at OSU, a position he held until 1965. When athletic director and legendary basketball coach Slats Gill died that year, Barratt was appointed athletic director.

During Barratt's 10 years as athletic director, OSU experienced success in many sports. In addition to a winning football program, Olympic track athlete Dick Fosbury invented his "Fosbury Flop" high jump technique while a student-athlete under Barratt.

It was also Barratt who reached into the Midwest to hire a basketball coach who many people thought was too old to be competitive. His name was Ralph Miller and he went on to become a Hall of Fame coach.

In 1975, Barratt left OSU to become part owner of Away Travel. The business was sold in 1984, but he established Jim Barratt Tours and became part owner of Fly Away Travel of Roseburg.

In 1985, Barratt was named to the Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.

Barratt's service to OSU is extensive, officials say, and highlighted by his involvement with the Beaver Club and the many contributions he and wife Dorotha made to Oregon State athletics over the years, particularly women's gymnastics.

Barratt also served for 20 years as the executive director of the Far West Classic basketball tournament, a job he continued after his retirement.

He is the eighth recipient of the Poling Award, named in honor of Dan W. Poling, an OSU alum who served as faculty member and campus administrator at OSU from 1937-72.