Dr. Barbara Beeks Appointed as Director of Jacobs Scholars Program at Presbyterian College
Beeks steps into her new educational leadership role from June 2024
Dr. Barbara Beeks, a well-known figure in educational counseling and community services, has been appointed as the new director of Presbyterian College’s Jacobs Scholars Program as of June 3, 2024. Her extensive career in the educational field and dedication towards bridging the gap for students affected by foster care has positioned her as the perfect fit for this role.
Tracing Dr. Beeks’ Journey
With eight fruitful years of serving as the student services coordinator for Greenville Technical College behind her, Dr. Beeks is excited about this new opportunity. She started her career as a program specialist at the Elwyn Institute in Elwyn, Penn., where she worked fervently with individuals affected by developmental disabilities. Her dedication for serving communities in need didn’t stop there. She also lent her skills to the Laurens County Disabilities and Special Needs Board as a house manager, a service coordinator, a case manager, and family services director.
Dr. Beeks’ professional journey also includes titles like intensive family services therapist and program coordinator for Family Resources Inc. and clinical counselor at Growing Home Southeast. Furthermore, she demonstrated her leadership skills as a human services coordinator for Laurens County Mental Health in Clinton.
A Lifeline for Underserved Students
Dr. Beeks has expressed her excitement about joining Presbyterian College’s signature program. “I was immediately drawn to this program,” she expresses. She hopes to use the platform to extend opportunities to underserved students, offering them free-of-cost college education and support throughout their academic journey. Coming from a background replete with experience in mental health counseling, Dr. Beeks specializes in extending compassion and understanding to individuals who have grappled with hardship and trauma.
Entwining Education with Compassion
Her empathetic nature goes hand in hand with her professional duties. She understands the gravity of scenarios where children are separated from their parents and believed in extending support to help them cope with their anxiety and adjustments. Dr. Beeks says, “Everybody needs to hear that they belong. We all have doubts sometimes, but I know God has a purpose for all of us, and I want everybody to feel and know that.”
Inspiring Young Minds
A lover of young people, Dr. Beeks, lends her voice to the hearts of many, “I love seeing their minds develop, seeing their personalities emerge, and coming to their own as young adults.” Dr. Beeks aims to transform the Jacobs Scholars Program into a nurturing environment where every student feels welcomed, encouraged, and part of the PC community.
Honoring Dr. Beeks’ Credentials
The University of South Carolina alumni earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in psychology. Her educational pursuits led her to acquire a master’s degree in counseling from Webster University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Liberty University. Her relentless service brought her laurels like Family Resources Therapist of the Year in 1997 and President’s Innovator of the Year at Greenville Tech for 2018-19.
This new chapter in Dr. Beeks’ journey sees her bringing her experiences to the Presbyterian College with the goal to inspire and secure the future of many deserving students.
