If you have ever “come on over” to the house you will know the Hubbard’s first priority after God is family. Barb jokes that she has her “cowboy son” on one side of her (his house is next door) and her “rocker son” on the other side of her (her and Pierce’s house is in between both sons’ homes). On Sunday, it’s always dinner with the family at the Hubbard house, plus a few students and friends are added to the table.
Barbara Ann Johnston was born in Arkansas in 1927. After graduating from Henderson State she went to Tennesee to pursue a career as a doctor. In 1954 her career ambitions changed to become a teacher. She began teaching at Las Cruces High School as a Biology teacher in 1954.
On a blind date, in the early 60's she met her future husband, Peirce Hubbard. Peirce and Barbara went on to have two sons, Peirce Jr (Hub) and Dru, five grandkids and seven great-grandkids.
Barbara began a career at New Mexico State University in 1966 and became heavily involved; first, as the Campus Activities Program adviser for NMSU's 13,000-capacity Pan American Center, working with the sports association. She also had a stint as the cheerleading coach for NMSU.
In August 1970, Barbara then became a student activities adviser and started bringing events to the building. The first act she brought in was the Ike and Tina Turner Revue; Charlie Pride was her first in-house production.
In 1977, Barbara was named Director of Special Events. She educated and advised the student government and other student organizations on the industry both on stage and behind the scenes. With a staff made up of mostly students, she negotiated and processed contracts between NMSU and agencies; scheduled and approved the use of the Pan Am Center; administered and controlled the Pan Am building budget, and supervised all major campus productions. Barbara
Hubbard enjoyed nearly a 30-year reign as Director of Special Events at New Mexico State University, until her "retirement" in 1996.
Today, she continues as executive director of the American Collegiate Showcase (ACTS), a position she has held since 1978. The function of ACTS has changed over the years but the mission remains the same provide educational scholarships and experience for her students in the music and entertainment industry. With the scholarship money raised, Barbara is able to take her students to various industry conferences and help nurture their involvement and give them the experience exposure, and what they need to succeed in the entertainment industry.
Barbara is a member of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), Pollstar, NMSU Alumni, Henderson State University Alumni, and the Aggie Booster Club.
