Sherry Barnes

associate professor of communication arts; academic director, Adult Studies business communication

on faculty since 2001

Phone: 708.239.4742
Fax: 708.239.3987
E-mail: sherry.barnes@trnty.edu

Education

Ph.D., University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, 1997
M.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 1972
B.A., Oklahoma Christian College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1971

Professional and Personal Interests

Dr. Sherry Barnes believes everyone can—and should—communicate well. As a professor in the communication arts department, she identifies communication as an invaluable ingredient in social interaction.

“Communication arts is a practical discipline. Our ability to communicate well is a key factor to success in any aspect of life, whether personal, professional, or social. It is a skill that everyone can learn to use proficiently.”

Barnes joined Trinity in 2001. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Barnes graduated from Oklahoma Christian College with a degree in speech and theater. She earned her master’s degree in speech and advertising communication from the University of Tennessee. She then completed doctoral work at the University of Nebraska, receiving her degree in human resource development, which was a combination of communication, business, and adult learning. She also served as vice president of the American Society of Training and Development for two years. Her academic and corporate expertise is invaluable in her work with students in Trinity’s Adult Studies program.

“I like helping people reach their goals by showing them how to recognize their talents and skills to fulfill their potential. I want my students to clarify their goals as they begin the major decision-making phase of their lives.”

When not in the classroom, Barnes enjoys walking and biking. She also likes restoring antique furniture and tending her flower garden. Barnes finds that the time spent in her garden sparks the creative ideas that permeate her teaching.

“I do most of my course planning when I’m up to my elbows in mulch and dirt. Creative thinking is done best during our incubation periods, those times when we are free of distractions. Our intuition kicks in, and the inspiration pops into our minds. We have to learn to capture those thoughts when they come. I keep a pencil and pad in my pocket for that purpose when I’m gardening.”

Barnes and her husband have three children and live in Wheaton, Illinois. She attends Naperville Church of Christ in Naperville, Illinois.

Courses Taught

• Fundamentals of Public Speaking
• Group Dynamics
• Intercultural Communication
• Public Relations

Professional Society Membership

• National Communication Association
• Creative Education Foundation
• Business Communication Association

Papers Published and/or Presented

• Creative Thinking in an Honors Program, National Collegiate Honors Council Conference
• Creative Communication, National Communication Association
• The Consultant’s Perspective, International Conference on Creativity in Colleges and Universities
• Trainers Institute, University of Nebraska, Omaha (presentation skills for trainers)
• Boys Town National Research Hospital, Strategies for Organizational Innovation