Barbara Kirkland was raised  on a cotton farm in Richland Parish, LA  and in New Light Baptist Church.   She graduated from Mangham High School,  after playing on the girls’ basketball team and then becoming  Miss MHS and 1965 Class Valedictorian.  She credits her work ethic and love for learning from her parents, church, and school.

Barbara had the priviledge of attending LA Tech University where she obtained degrees in Business Education, Guidance and Counseling, and School Administration.  She was a student worker in the Placement Office (Career & Counseling) during college and  Secretary for the LA Tech Library Director after graduation.   In 1970 she began her 20-year teaching and counseling career at Cedar Creek School and then Ruston High School.

In 1990 she moved to the Lincoln Parish School Board Office and became Supervisor of Career and Technical Education and Federal Programs for 14 years.  During those years, she was actively involved and held offices in numerous state and local professional organizations.  She especially enjoyed serving as President of the LA School Supervisors Association and having a network of friends with the same job responsibilities in education. 

She retired in 2004, joined LRTA, and began RV traveling with her husband of 50+ years.   In addition, she became involved with the Lincoln Parish Retired Teachers and has served as President since 2014.  That has led to District 10 LRTA and being elected as President, and looking forward to serving on the Executive Board.

She and her husband have 2 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, 5 grandchildren, and a cat.   She loves reading, cooking, and family activities at their lake house on Lake D’Arbonne.