Since her time in the Counseling Psychology Program at the College of Education, Dr. Jill Lee-Barber has made significant impacts in her field serving diverse populations.

1Dr. Lee-Barber completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Georgia State University and chose the University of Houston, College of Education for her Doctorate after researching various programs across the country. She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), and has served in many capacities including, Vice-President for Professional Practice, President of the LGBT Division, Chair of the Division for University and College Counseling Centers, and Editor of the Newsletter for the Division for the Advancement of Women. Currently, she is serving as the Director of Psychological and Health Services at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.  

In her current position, Dr. Lee-Barber interacts mostly with minorities and the economically disadvantaged. “My challenge is to find ways to address health care disparities so that students of all backgrounds can succeed.  Our institution has committed itself to this mission and I have been able to apply the training in research and multicultural systemic thinking that I received at UH to do my best work in my current position,” says Dr. Lee-Barber.

Her hard work has certainly paid off. In 2009, she was honored as the Woman of the Year from the Division for the Advancement of Women, and she was chosen to participate in the APA Presidential Initiative “Taking Action Against Racism.”

“Dr. Lee-Barber’s many accomplishments have provided important leadership for the specialty of Counseling Psychology,” says Counseling Professor Roberta Nutt.

Dr. Lee-Barber knew the College of Education was the right fit for her and her goals from the start.  “The training I received from the faculty in Counseling Psychology in the College of Education prepared me so well for my current position.  In fact, I tell students and colleagues sometimes that the dilemmas I am trying to solve remind me of my comprehensive exam questions at the University of Houston,” says Dr. Lee-Barber.