Powerlist – Dr. Lori D. Barber

Dr. Lori D. Barber knows what it means to work hard to achieve lifelong goals. Returning to college as a non-traditional student and waiting to complete her education until later in life taught her that she could do exactly what she put her mind to.

“It takes hard work and persistence, but it can be done,” she explained.

Proving her motivation and passion for education, Barber completed her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate, and became the vice president of academic and student affairs at the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) in less than a decade.

Today, she leads the college in various ways and most recently created and had approved two applied undergraduate degrees that will begin next year. She is also leading the charge to create a four-week semester.

Being a part of the college’s growth has been very rewarding for Barber.

“We have provided pathways to skills, degrees and credentials for literally thousands of students,” she explained. “Our enrollment has increased by 244% since 2017. Without CEI, all those learners would have had to find a different path to better their lives. But we are right here in their backyard, quietly doing this amazing work!”

The future looks bright for Barber.

“Honestly, I can’t imagine working in another field,” she said. “This work. This job. It’s incredibly rewarding. Our work is sacred and our influence profound. If I weren’t working in this career, I would be trying to work in this career!”