Joshua Barron, Ed.S. '06, Ed.D. '12, Changing Lives As School Superintendent
By Tony Scott

Joshua Barron, Ed.S. '06, Ed.D. '12, says coaches and teachers were father
figures to him during his youth. (Photo credit: Joshua Barron) 

Joshua Barron, Ed.S. ’06, Ed.D. ’12, is grateful for mentors like coaches and teachers who helped lift him up during his youth. As the superintendent of Community High School District 218 in suburban Oak Lawn, Illinois, he is now a mentor to others.
 

“I feel a purpose in life helping others, especially young people, to fulfill their dreams,” he said. “Teachers, coaches and school leaders saved my life. There is no better job on earth.”

Barron, who was born and raised by a young, single mother on Chicago’s South Side, said he saw teachers and coaches as father figures.

“I never met my father, but my mother worked hard as a caretaker and eventually proudly completed her Bachelor of Arts degree,” he said.

Barron said he was a natural leader in sports and the classroom as a teenager, graduating 16th in his high school class at Mount Carmel and playing on the school's 1990 and 1991 state championship football teams. 

He earned a full-ride baseball scholarship to Lewis University, compiling the second-highest number of wins in school history and pitching and winning a 1994 College World Series game. During his time at Lewis, he was selected as both an Athletics and Academic All-American athlete.
 

Barron said he decided to return for his doctoral degree while working full-time as a school principal at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, Illinois. He praised NIU for its program and for the people he met during his journey. 

 “I had the Huskie grit and perseverance,” he said. “I was a young principal with three kids in diapers at home, and I was going to school.”

Barron recalled driving to DeKalb every Saturday for three years, having class from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a cohort of 30 classmates.

“I chose NIU for its reputable doctoral program,” he said. “The cohort was great with many going on to become superintendents, and we continue to network.” 

Barron said one professor stood out during his time at NIU. 

“Dr. Rosita Lopez was instrumental in helping me complete my dissertation,” he said. “I am forever grateful.”

Barron has a passion for learning, as he's currently working on his fifth degree, working toward an Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration degree at Notre Dame Mendoza School of Business.

Working in education, shaping young lives, has given his life purpose, he said.

“I felt leading could change kids’ lives too,” he said. “I am doing that now.”
 

This is just one example of how NIU empowers students to become leaders who shape tomorrow's world. Discover how NIU is fortifying our future at niuforward.com.