Assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, Dr. Barbara L. Howard recently received the Rev. Wayne Johnson Community and Civic Award from the Ole Miss Alumni Association. Howard was one of 13 alums given honors during the University of Mississippi’s 2018 Black Alumni Reunion. The awards included the Dr. Jeanette Jennings “Trailblazer” Award, The Rev. Wayne Johnson Community and Civic Award, the Alumni Achievement Award and the Celebrated Athlete Award.
[dropcap]”I[/dropcap]t is indeed a pleasure and humbling experience to be recognized by the Black Alumni Council at the University of Mississippi with the Rev. Wayne Johnson Community and Civic Award.” Howard said, “It is truly a testament to the goodness of God and that He is faithful to his word, ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.'”
As a teenage mother, Howard overcame many obstacles and went on to become the first in her family to attend college. She has worked in the field of education for over 24 years and not only served in various capacities throughout the community, but she has also mentored numerous students.
Howard is also founder and director of Hearts Desire Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides educational resources to the community. One of her major projects is the Books to Prisons Ministry, where she provides Christian literature to prison libraries for incarcerated men and women. She is also author of the books “Wounded Sheep: How to Calm a Storm” and “Wounded Sheep: How to Heal Church Hurt.”