Dr. Rebeca Barge is an experienced higher education leader, educator, and social work professional dedicated to advancing inclusive leadership and student development. Dr. Barge earned her Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership Studies from JMU in 2026, with research focused on developing undergraduate adaptive leadership competencies for social change. She holds a Master of Social Work from The Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern Mennonite University. With over a decade of experience spanning higher education and nonprofit leadership, Dr. Barge has held roles including Associate Director in the Center for Multicultural Student Services at JMU, Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters HRC and Director of Education at The Family Place, Inc. in Washington, DC.

In addition to her administrative leadership, Dr. Barge is an active educator and scholar. She serves as an adjunct professor in multiple colleges at JMU, teaching courses on adaptive leadership, multicultural competence, social relationships, and student transition. She served as a Faculty Fellow with the Center for Civic Engagement. She additionally contributes to global learning, serving as the Study Abroad Program Director for New Dukes to Guatemala.

Dr. Barge’s work is recognized for its impact on inclusive practice and dialogue. She is a recipient of the JMU COMPASS Award for Outstanding Contributions to DEI and the President’s Purple Star Award for advancing student belonging and inclusive excellence. A native Spanish speaker with training in trauma-informed practice and social justice education, Dr. Barge brings a deeply interdisciplinary and community-centered approach to her work. Her scholarship and practice are grounded in a commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complexity and drive meaningful social change.