Carol Barr knows it’s not easy being the new kid on the block. Although she is no stranger to the University of Houston Staff Council, she is well aware of the challenges faced by its newly elected representatives.

Recently, Barr, English department business administrator, was elected Staff Council president. Among her primary goals when she takes office this fall is helping new members become acclimated to their roles within the organization.

“I want our veteran members to help new members become more active within the council,” Barr said. “Sometimes, when people enter a new organization, they can be reserved or cautious. I would like to have our new members be trained and incorporated into the council, so they immediately feel that they’re a part of it.”

Barr has worked at UH since 1981 and graduated from the university in 1980 with a bachelor of science degree in technology. Since joining UH’s staff, she has served on and off as a council member and was its president during the 1991 – 1992 academic year.

“I really have a passion for UH,” she said. “It has been both a career and family for me. I went to school here and I have worked here, for a number of years. As I am closer to retirement, I would like the opportunity to serve the staff in this role.”

Barr is the chair of the council’s Staff Affairs Committee. She will begin her term as president at the council’s first meeting of the fall semester on Sept. 7.

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu