Before joining the Reich College of Education faculty in 2008, Dr. Barbara Howard was a graduate assistant while she completed her M.A. in middle grades and Ed.D. in educational leadership at Appalachian State University.
During her time as faculty in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies, Howard served as program director for the school administration program, Fulbright Specialist at the University of Free State in South Africa, chair of Faculty Senate, and vice-chair of the UNC System Faculty Assembly. She also created a graduate certificate program in International Leadership, partnering with colleagues at Novgorod State University in Russia as well as at App State. She is retiring at the rank of professor.
Howard’s advice to just beginning their career: “Choose your projects carefully and shape your scholarly area of expertise. Take advantage of all the opportunities that come your way.”
During her tenure, she has seen the university grow in size. “It has also actively engaged in work that addresses the issues of equity, diversity, and social justice,” she added.
“I credit our Chancellor's support of these efforts with the establishment of a Chief Diversity Officer, Inclusive Excellence Fellows, and the work of our Center for Academic Excellence,” she continued. “With all the resources we now have as faculty, we are better able to serve all students.”
Howard also noted the physical changes on campus, particularly new buildings, pathways, etc. “Moving from Edwin Duncan to the ‘new’ College of Ed was quite a shift!”
In her retirement, she is most looking forward to traveling with her husband; spending more time with family; engaging in her hobbies which include oil painting, playing the clarinet, riding her horse, and gardening.
“As an alumna of two graduate programs and a parent of alumnae, I will stay connected to AppState!”
“As an alumna of two graduate programs and a parent of alumnae, I will stay connected to AppState,” said Howard. “I look forward to seeing even greater things in the future!”
Barbara Howard
