Virginia Barry

     Virginia M. Barry Ph.D. was sworn in as Commissioner of Education on June 1, 2009. The New Hampshire Executive Council unanimously confirmed Governor John Lynch’s nomination to the position.  The commissioner is responsible for the organizational goals of the department and represents the public interest in the administration of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of administrative and instructional services to all public schools in New Hampshire.  The commissioner has direct responsibility for school administrative units for promoting excellence in education and the provision of resources through state and federal programs for all students.  Dr. Barry has recently been recognized nationally for supporting a more holistic assessment of student achievement in support of students being college and work ready.

     Dr. Barry has over 27 years of experience in education as a teacher, leader, tenured university professor, and provost and vice president for academic affairs. Her teaching interests are embedded in the principles of human development and educational leadership. Dr. Barry is deeply committed to collaborative leadership and works closely with the school and business communities to create open communication among stakeholders and create a culture of innovation and excellence.  Commissioner Barry is committed to keeping the best interests of the children of New Hampshire at the forefront.

     Dr. Barry currently is a member of a number of boards including the University System of New Hampshire, the Community College System of New Hampshire, Healthy Kids of New Hampshire and a number of private foundations.  She has received distinguished awards for outstanding teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and most notably the Harold Hyde Award for outstanding leadership.

      She received her B.S., from Florida State University and M.S., from Queens College City University of  New York and State University of New York at Stony Brook., Ph.D. Florida State University with post-doctoral studies at New York University, Harvard and William and Mary.

Virginia Barry