Samford University’s School of Health Professions has announced that Angela Barber will become the chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders beginning Aug. 1.

Barber comes to Samford from the University of Alabama, where she was an associate professor and graduate program director. Her primary research focuses on improving accessibility to effective early identification and interventions for children with increased likelihood for autism spectrum disorders and their families by building cooperative and sustainable solutions that promote health equity.

When asked about joining Samford, Barber said, “Samford's low faculty-student ratio and its commitment to students and community through a faith-based mission of service and engagement are inspiring.” 

Barber will take over as chair of the department from Margaret Johnson, who retired this year. She said Johnson’s positive influence and inspired leadership laid the foundation for one of the strongest communication sciences and disorders programs in the state.

Barber is excited to join the gifted team and continue the important work Johnson began—training future speech-language pathologists to a level of excellence for assessing and treating individuals with communication and swallowing needs.

“Dr. Barber possesses an excellent record of teaching and scholarship, along with a strong commitment to serving students and the community,” said Alan Jung, dean of Samford’s School of Health Professions. “We are excited to have her joining the department. The future is very bright under her leadership.”

In her free time, Barber enjoys traveling with her husband, James, and their sons, Ben and Sam.