Portrait of Brittany Barker.
APRIL 14, 2022 | BY NATE PROCTOR
Brittany Barker’s experience in President’s Community Scholars helped spark her passion for service. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2014 with her bachelor’s in human relations, Brittany went on to get her master’s in education, policy and leadership from Southern Methodist University. She now works as a senior associate for campus recruiting with Ernst & Young, one of the largest professional service networks in the world. We caught up with Brittany to see how she’s been serving others since her time in PCS.
Q: How did PCS impact your undergraduate experience?
Brittany: PCS was the first “yes” of my college career! “Yes” to new experiences out of my comfort zone, “yes” to the volunteer work and engagement that was not only seen but valued, “yes” for assistance and guidance by those that had come before me, “yes” to new and friends and perspectives, and finally, “yes” to the beginning of a career with college students and community engagement. I have so much to thank PCS for, as it truly paved the way for me. I will always be so grateful for the day I received the letter in the mail from OU and PCS!
Q: How did your experience in PCS and education at OU prepare you for life after you graduated?
Brittany: After finishing my master's in Higher Education, Policy and Leadership, I began a career in Community Engagement and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. I always joked that I majored in campus activities while in college at OU, but really, I knew my passion was working with college students. I loved identifying ways to strengthen their toolkits, unleash their full potential and narrowing in on their authentic identities before life after college even began. Outside of being in the campus setting now, a lot of the work I do in my role at Ernst & Young is by synthesizing that same idea. My experiences beginning with PCS and throughout OU, equipped me for a career with students that ultimately prepares them for life after college, varying career paths, knowing their own value, how to choose a positive and healthy corporate culture, and a work home that aligns with their identity and value as a working professional.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to the current and incoming PCS classes?
Brittany: Pay attention to guest speakers, field trips and resources offered to you throughout the year – you will use them throughout your time at OU and beyond!
Q: What inspires you most about your work?
Brittany: In all aspects of my career, I have been challenged to think about my role, words, guidance and engagement during a pivotal time of a person’s life. Because of what other mentors have done before me, I have tried to go about my work by being a light to those around me—exuding kindness and empathizing with the needs of others. I am inspired by and am continually learning of root causes of systemic issues that affect my peers, colleagues and loved ones. I believe that I will only be successful by embracing differences through listening and intentional practices.
President’s Community Scholars is composed of students who want to make a difference in their community. President Joseph Harroz Jr. recognizes the community service efforts of our high school's best and brightest scholars through the President's Community Scholars scholarship. Administered by the Office of Leadership and Volunteerism from the Division of Student Affairs, PCS provides high-achieving high school students with the best possible freshman experience through service to local, state, and global communities.
