Barbour can relate to many of the students she works with because, like many of them, she was the first in her family to attend college.
Born and raised in Oldham County, Ky., Barbour said IU Southeast was once a mystery to her.
Although her parents did not attend college, they pushed her and instilled faith into what she could achieve.
“I am still pursing higher education,” Barbour said.
Barbour said her father told her from the time she was a child, until the day she stepped foot onto Berea College’s campus, she would earn a college degree.
Barbour received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Berea College and her master’s in public administration from West Virginia University. Barbour is now in the process of pursuing her Ph.D. in educational administration with a specialization in higher education leadership.
At Berea, Barbour did a lot of recruiting and said felt she could do the same for IU Southeast. Hired in 2005 as an academic adviser for IU Southeast, Barbour worked her way up to her current position in 2007. Barbour said her current position gives her the opportunity to assist students and faculty on campus with setting up school events, helping organizations and helping students get involved with campus.
“My job gives me the opportunity to interact with students and get to know them on a personal level as well,” Barbour said.
Many of the students confide in Barbour and look to her for advice or for certain resources.
Growing up Barbour always wanted a job like Michael Jordan.
“He would love going to work and playing in the pros,” Barbour said, “so I have always wanted to have a job like that to know that I am helping or making a difference in someone’s life.”
Many students look up to her and respect the time she puts into helping others around campus. Barbour said she does not discriminate on the help she gives, whether it is something pertaining to school or something personal, and she always tries her best to meet every need of the student body.
Angela Calbert, business accounting senior, said she has gained a great bond with Barbour over the past few years.
“Channell has assisted me during my academic career in many different ways,” Calbert said. “She has gone beyond the call of duty for the Multicultural Student Union to ensure our events take place and are successful. She also lends a listening ear, words of advice and encouragement in my personal endeavors, as well as my academic career.”
Barbour said she encourages students to get out and meet others outside of their comfort zone. She said she believes everyone brings something to the table and is also a firm believer in the saying “pay it forward,” which she specifically directs toward IUS seniors.
“IU Southeast will be your alma mater,” Barbour said. “The school and the professors helped you, so reach back and pay it back by becoming part of the Student Alumni Association.”
By TALIAH SHABAZZ
Staff
tshabazz@ius.edu
