Barbara Edwards, C’69

Barbara Edwards has spent a lifetime opening doors for others — as an educator, a mentor, and a devoted daughter of Spelman College.

A proud wife and mother of three, Barbara's own Spelman story began in 1969, when she graduated with a BA in psychology. She went on to earn a master's degree in counseling and administration, and later became a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor — a distinction that speaks to the rigor and heart she brought to every role that followed.

Barbara's career in education spanned nearly every level of a student's journey. She began as an elementary teacher at Ralph Bunche Elementary School, where she instilled in her youngest students a love of learning. From there, she became a high school counselor, guiding teenagers through the pivotal work of preparing for college. Her leadership then carried her to Harlan High School, where she served as principal. She then served as Parent Coordinator for Project C.A.N.A.L. (Creating A New Approach to Learning), deepening her commitment to students by strengthening the connection between home and school. Her leadership ultimately carried her to Chicago Public Schools' central office as Director of High School Programs — a role in which she developed and managed programming for high schools across the entire district. At every stage, her reach widened, but her purpose never wavered: helping young people see a future for themselves and giving them the tools to reach it.

That same spirit of service has been recognized time and again. In 1992, Barbara received the Chicago Inter-Alumni Council, United Negro College Fund, Alumna of the Year Award.  Her 57 years of active membership in NAASC Chicago, where she has served as Regional Coordinator of the Great Lakes Region and as President of NAASC-Chicago (1990–1992 and 2006–2008). Today, she chairs both the Courtesy Committee and the Scholarship Committee, ensuring the organization's traditions of hospitality and support continue for the next generation. Her decades of dedication have been recognized with the Spelman Spirit Golden Service Award in 2002 and the NAASC Merit Award in 2019.

For Barbara, Spelman has always been more than an alma mater — it is, in her words, "a gift that continues to be in her life." She raised her three daughters to become Spelman women themselves, and she has spent her career and her retirement encouraging young girls to apply, and Spelman alumnae to join NAASC-Chicago, so that the women coming up behind her are supported — financially, personally, and in spirit.

From a single classroom in Chicago to programs touching thousands of students across the district, Barbara Edwards has built a legacy defined by one enduring belief: that lifting others is the truest measure of a Spelman woman.