Dr. Barbara Carpenter

International Trends & Services

Dr. Carpenter has dedicated her life toward international experiences for African American students.  She is widely travelled, having directed, managed and evaluated research and developmental programs in Sierra Leone, Senegal, Liberia, Ghana, Mexico, Belize, China, Puerto Rico, and Korea.  Dr. Carpenter’s fundraising efforts to help students who could not afford to study abroad set her apart from others in the international education field.  She has single-handedly developed the service learning program at Southern University and is recognized as a national leader in the field.  As a result, countless students have had the opportunity to experience the culture and language of other nationalities.  To date, Southern University is the first HBCU and one of the few universities in the world which offers International Study and Service Learning.  Dr. Carpenter  is in constant demand as an international speaker and workshop presenter throughout the United States.

Dr. Carpenter has served as Dean of the Southern University International and Continuing Education program for the last 10 years and previously served as Director of the Southern University Center for Service Learning.  

Dr. Carpenter is member of the EBR Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and former three term Board Chair.  Additionally, Dr. Carpenter has served as 21st International Grand Baslileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, and Board Chair of the State Chapter March of Dimes Board.  Other memberships include the Association of International Education Administrators, and the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge.  

Dr. Carpenter was named Outstanding Housing Association Commissioner, Distinguished Service Learning Educator of the Corporation for National Service and 21st Century Living Legend of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.  She has also received numerous recognitions with keys to Cities and appointments as Honorary Mayor in 19 cities across the United States.

In honor of her outstanding work and support of the underserved in the Baton Rouge community, she was honored by the naming of the Dr. Barbara West Carpenter Community Building at Clark Housing Development of the EBR Housing Authority.  Additionally, in her honor was named the Dr. Barbara Carpenter Resource Room at Greenville Elementary School for her leadership in education.

Dr. Carpenter is married to Dr. Dana Carpenter and they are the parents of Erin and Patrick.