Irvine, Calif., March 15, 2026 – Emeritus Professor Barbara Morton was called to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 7. Barb served at Concordia University Irvine from 1995 to 2008 as a distinguished professor and as the second Dean of the School of Education. She continued to work as a part-time adjunct professor through 2016. During her tenure, Barb inspired all who knew her with her contagious love for life, unwavering dedication to the Great Commission, and tireless work-ethic to serve the Lord with joy.
Barb grew up in Queens, New York, and after graduating from Concordia River Forest, served for ten years as a teacher and eventually Principal at Redeemer Lutheran School in Glendale, NY. Barb came to Concordia University Irvine after a long career as a professor at Concordia University, Texas.
Following Barb's retirement from Concordia University Irvine in 2008, she started a tutoring program that inspired countless children at the Village of Hope in the Orange County Rescue Mission. In 2017 she moved to Luther Home in Illinois to be closer to family. It was a surprise to no one that she joined the Lutheran Home Auxillary in 2018 where she was appointed president and worked diligently to make cards for all holidays, Halloween tray favors, Christmas stockings filled with candy, and did not miss a single resident's birthday. Barb's heart for selfless service to others was clearly evident throughout her life and was recently recognized in Illinois for being the Volunteer of the Year.
All who had the privilege of knowing Barb during her life will remember her can-do attitude and the joy that she brought to everything she did. Barbara Morton was a shining example of how Paul encouraged us to live in Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though working for the Lord."
About Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine, part of the Concordia University System, is a private, nonprofit Christian university that is proud to be one of the founding institutions of higher education in Irvine, California. For nearly 50 years, we have developed “wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens” through distinctive Lutheran education. Today, we educate nearly 5,000 students on campus and online, and our alumni network has grown to over 25,000 worldwide. We’re recognized as a top-ranked university for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report and a fierce NCAA Division II PacWest competitor. Learn more at cui.edu.