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KATHLEEN H BARNES – ENABLING THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW THROUGH EDUCATION

An effective leader can be defined as an individual equipped with the intellectual and moral qualities, that enables them to visualize the best future for all members of the society, and work with dedication to bring about that bright future. Good leaders enable the society as a whole to become successful. They are essential in the growth and progression of a society. Effective leadership can steer the society through the rapids of turmoil and tragedy, and take them to the calmer and bountiful waters of progress and prosperity. The leaders are enablers who lead the whole society with exemplary conduct and are able to ignite the dreams of the common citizen. 

Leaders are necessary for the building of every aspect of a society. That is why it is imperative to encourage the thought leaders of tomorrow for the future progress of the society. It lies on the shoulders of the entire society to encourage the development and growth of future leaders, as it will benefit directly from the emergence of strong leaders of tomorrow. The encouragement that brings out the leaders in all aspects of the society including economical, social, and political is an important part of the natural development of that society. But the basic responsibility lies with educators of the society.

Educators who are loyal to their cause of proliferation of education for the betterment of the society are veritable saviors of the future. In their hands lie the training and development of the future leaders. Through the dedication to their craft, they are able to carve out the characteristics of the future leaders, by nurturing and strengthening the qualities noble qualities that define these leaders. They are able to equip the future leaders with the intellectual and moral qualities, which will enable these leaders to develop the foresight and the working ethic necessary to become the future hope of the society. Educators that help the leaders of futures find their true path and calling in life are the true society building individuals. One such educator who is carrying the immense responsibility of enabling the leaders of future blossom is Kathleen H Barnes.

Kathleen “Katie” Hildreth Barnes was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on October 11, 1952. She is an American pediatric physical therapist and a university administrator with a vast background in the education system. Kathleen spent her early years in Monson, Massachusetts. When Kathleen turned ten years old in 1962, her family relocated to Old Saybrook, Connecticut. After relocating to the new town, she attended the Old Saybrook Senior High School, and consequently, she earned her A.A. in liberal arts from Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts. While attending Endicott College, Kathleen was involved in student leadership. Kathleen spent twenty-eight years at Endicott College, where she began as the Academic Coordinator for Clinical Education for the Physical Therapist Assistant Program. Later she became the Director of the Program, and leadership roles followed that position in the School of Arts and Sciences and The Division of Academic Success. During the last two years of her career at the Endicott College, Kathleen was the Senior Vice President, Interim President, and Interim Provost. Kathleen was the sixth President of Endicott College.

Later in her studies, Kathleen went on and earned her B.S. in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University, Connecticut, where she continued her student engagement and leadership activities in various student clubs and organizations. Upon graduation from Quinnipiac University as a physical therapist, Kathleen embarked on a journey in physical therapy. Later in her career, Kathleen received her M.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis and her Ph.D. in Arts and Sciences, from the Union Institute & University, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Earlier in her career as a physical therapist, Kathleen was licensed to practice in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Providence Plantations. She has been involved with the state chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association since graduation and the neuro-development treatment therapist group. Kathleen was very active in the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America between 1988 and 2004, and held several leadership positions within the organization. She was an early pioneer of Assistive Technology for children. Appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, she served as a member and then chair of the Board of Allied Health Professions from 2001 to 2010, following her passion for ethical clinical practice. Kathleen was active from 2002 to 2011 in many positions, and her work in regulations and ethics led her to become a member of the Federation of State Boards in Physical Therapy. The last position that Kathleen held as a member of the Federation of State Boards in Physical Therapy was the Chair of the Legislative and Ethics Committee. After a successful and notable career as a pediatric physical therapist at Meeting Street School, in Providence, Rhode Island, North Shore Consortium in Beverly, Massachusetts, and CAST, now located in Wakefield, Massachusetts, Kathleen entered the world of higher education at Endicott College in January 1993, a very diverse career path, including teaching and advising. 

Kathleen is currently licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Maine. She is also a current member of the Registry, the Gold Standard for Interim Placements in Higher Education.