Meet Krispin Barr ’13PHD: ‘My Students Have Something to Teach Me’

This is part of a series of profiles about faculty who joined the NC State College of Education in 2019-20.

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose to come to the NC State College of Education because I have experienced first-hand the high-caliber teaching and extraordinary mentorship of our faculty who are internationally renowned for their research and impact on the field of higher education and student affairs.

Why did you choose a career in education?

I chose a career in education because at my core I still believe that access to higher education, in particular, is perhaps the most effective means of empowering people to have a better quality of life — both as individuals and for their families — and to bring about positive social change in our communities and society.

Why did you choose your specific field?

I am just following my passion for working with college students and learning all that I can about campus life and how we can make U.S. colleges and universities more welcoming and affirming places for students who reflect the increasing diversity of our country and the world around us.

Why did you pursue a Ph.D.?

Ipursued a Ph.D. because I truly enjoyed the challenge and thrill of getting back into the classroom, after an extended period as a practitioner, to learn from other seasoned colleagues and faculty and to be able to apply my experience as a curious scholar-practitioner.

What are your research interests and how did you become interested in that topic? 

I am interested in learning about college student culture, how it manifests in different campus environments and differently impacts students from diverse backgrounds, and how it changes (or not) over time — especially in the context of the tremendous social change which we are experiencing right now.

What is your teaching philosophy? 

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that my students have something to teach me and each other, and that the greatest learning can come from the simple sharing of stories and diverse worldviews.

What do you hope your students learn from you? 

I hope that my students will learn from me that being curious, brave and open-minded will serve them well, not just in the classroom but in life.