Barbara Howard

Biography

Dr. Barbara Howard serves as the Director of Assessment and Accreditation for the School of Education, an Assistant Professor of Education, and the University’s Director of Institutional Effectiveness. In these roles, she oversees accreditation processes, assessment systems, and program review initiatives across Concordia University Irvine.

She works closely with the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and all School of Education program directors to maintain full accreditation status. In 2021, she successfully guided the School of Education through a comprehensive CTC re-accreditation, securing a full seven-year approval. As Director of Institutional Effectiveness, she manages the university-wide program review cycle and leads assessment operations, including supporting CUI’s WSCUC reaffirmation efforts.

Barbara chairs the Educational Effectiveness Committee and serves as an HSI Faculty Fellow, supporting DEI-focused advancement initiatives across campus. She also volunteers as a Site Visit Review Team Member for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Her career in adult education spans nearly four decades. She began at National University in 1986, eventually directing three Bay Area centers before pursuing her doctorate. She later developed Corporate Education programs at the College of San Mateo and served as Director of the Weekend College Program at Marymount College in Palos Verdes. After relocating to Southern California, she joined Concordia University Irvine in 2004, where she opened the Temecula Regional Center and advised more than 100 students in the BA Degree Completion program. Since 2012, she has contributed to the School of Education through student support, program leadership, and service as a dissertation chair and committee member.