2020 - Yolonda Barnes: Designing the Future of SBCT

Despite the pandemic, it’s been a great first year at ECC for Associate Dean of Sustainability, Business, and Career Technologies (SBCT) Yolonda Barnes, Ed.D. As a former teacher herself, she dove into the role of connecting ECC faculty with the resources and support needed to bring the best in education to our career and technology education students.

When it came to the question of any other job she’d like to try at ECC, Barnes was adamant: “I have the best job on campus!” She explains, “My position requires me to support faculty and ensure academic services meet the needs of the faculty and student body. It’s an honor to serve the ECC community in this capacity.”

Learn more about Barnes and her passions outside of campus below:

What is your greatest accomplishment since you’ve been at ECC?

My greatest accomplishment since joining the team at ECC would be collaborating with SBCT Faculty. This accomplishment has required me to have good listening skills and the ability to find the necessary resources to help faculty.

If you could instantly be an expert in one thing, what would you choose?

Archaeology! The study of human societies and cultures and the excavation of sites is extremely interesting to me.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work (i.e., hobbies/interests)?

I love to garden, hike, read, camping, and spend time with my family.

If you could live in a TV show, which show would it be and why?

Anything on HGTV. I can never get enough of this channel. I could probably design someone's house without even having the degree! That’s how much I watch this channel. Now, if I can only figure out how to use a saw, I’d be all set.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled? Or where would you like to visit?

Barbados! My grandmother’s father was from there and we have found our extended family. We are planning another trip in 2022.

You have to wear a t-shirt with just one word on it for an entire year. What would that word be, and why?

BLM (Black Lives Matter). In all of the chaos that is happening, I want to bring awareness to the systemic racism in this country, by bringing a voice (mine) to help others to understand and by giving a voice to those who need my help. Racism could be eradicated, but it will take all of us.

Share a fact about you that might surprise people to learn.

My marriage was an arranged marriage (LOL!). My father fell in love with my husband long before I did and told me I had to marry him. We met in September 1994 and were married ten months later in July 1995. This past July, we celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary. I wouldn’t change a thing!

What job have you held (besides ECC) that was the most fun, interesting, or difficult? Explain why.

Before I arrived at ECC, I was a faculty member at another college. I miss teaching and being directly connected with students. Helping others to achieve their academic dreams/goals is very meaningful, especially when you see that AHA! moment in a student’s face/eyes – you know they got it!

Name someone you admire and explain why.

There are many that I admire, but my husband is at the top of the list. With more than 25 years of marriage, he has and continues to be my champion and best cheer leader. 

What was your most valuable life lesson?

My most valuable life lesson would be everything I learned while raising children. All the books in the world will never prepare you enough. Only hands-on experience!

Complete this sentence: “I enjoy working at ECC because … “

I enjoy working at ECC because it feels like home, one big happy family.