Barbara Hamilton is a native of Magnolia and a graduate of Magnolia High School (’92). With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Barbara is employed by SAU Tech as the Associate Vice Chancellor of Adult Education.  Barbara has worked in Adult Education for 17 years.  As the Associate Vice Chancellor-Adult Education, she oversees the staff and day-to-day operations of the program in the four-county service area that includes Columbia, Calhoun, Dallas, and Ouachita Counties. During her tenure as the Associate VC-Adult Education, Barbara has led her team to become one of the top-performing Adult Education Centers in Arkansas. Under her leadership, SAU Tech Adult Education Center has earned numerous awards including the Highest Number of Credentials Attained Award three years in a row. Before becoming the Associate Vice Chancellor, Barbara held the following positions with SAU Tech:  Director of Career Pathways (two years) and Instructor of Office Systems Technology (Three Years).

At a young age, Barbara had a clear vision that she desired more from life. With an unwavering determination, Barbara has embarked on a path of personal and professional growth, which set the trajectory for success. Driven by ambition, she has worked tirelessly to accomplish her goals and views every opportunity she has been afforded as a blessing.  Barbara’s favorite bible scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Calhoun Heights in Magnolia.

Barbara holds a Master of Education in Adult Education from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, a Master of Public Administration from Southern Arkansas University (SAU), a Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from SAU.

Barbara is the chair of the Arkansas Adult Education Advisory Committee and a member of the Arkansas Adult Education Legislative Committee and Southwest Arkansas Workforce Development Board. She is also a member of the Coalition of Adult Basic Education (COABE) and completed the Arkansas Community Colleges Leadership Institute in 2022.  Previous committee assignments include: SAU Tech Administrative Staff Organization-Chair, Arkansas Adult Education Funding Formula Taskforce, Arkansas Adult Education WAGE™ Restructuring Committee, and the Arkansas Association of Continuing and Adult Education Committee (AACAE)-Secretary.

Barbara is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and a charter member of the Nu Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter. She currently holds the Anti-Basileus position for her local chapter and serves as a committee member on the Regional Membership Committee for Sigma Gamma Rho, Sorority, Inc.

Barbara has two sons, Sharbrodric Young (Anna) and DeUnta Hamilton, and is the proud grandmother to three beautiful souls: Saylor, Kacey, and Stella. In her spare time, she loves to travel, shop, and spend time with family and friends.