July 21, Indy Rotary: Allison Barber, WGU Indiana, Chancellor
July 21, Indy Rotary: Allison Barber, WGU Indiana, Chancellor
Dr. Allison Barber is the chancellor of WGU Indiana, the state’s online, competency-based university. She champions college attainment for working Hoosiers who have some college but have not yet earned a degree. WGU Indiana also offers advanced degrees in business, education, health profession and technology.
An Indiana native, Allison’s portfolio includes more than 25 years of experience in education and public service. Prior to her position at WGU Indiana, Allison was the president of her own strategic communications firm in the Washington, D.C. area. She was also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, teaching in the master’s program for Public Relations and Corporate Communications.
Allison spent more than seven years at the Department of Defense. She was the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Internal Communications and Public Liaison. In this position, she was responsible for the Department’s worldwide communications to the men and women of the military, and for community relations programs that linked citizens to members of the Armed Forces at home and abroad. Allison worked to establish the Pentagon Channel, created the New Media division for the Pentagon, and provided oversight to the Defense Media Center, Armed Forces Radio and Television, and Stars and Stripes newspaper. She was also responsible for national programs that protect and enhance the morale of the military members and their families.
