Dr. Deborah Barnett earned both her doctoral and master’s degrees in Workforce Education and Development (WED) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In addition to currently serving as a WED faculty member, Dr. Barnett proudly oversees WED’s Off-Campus Degree Programs where she is committed to serving staff and students at 14 military and non-military sites throughout the country.
Dr. Barnett also served as SIU’s Assistant Dean of Students and was respected campus-wide for her support of and advocacy for SIU’s veteran, military, and adult learner populations. As a returning adult learner herself, much of Dr. Barnett’s work and research has been dedicated to educational attainment of adult learners. As a lifelong resident of southern Illinois, she is passionate about regional advancement through education.