This post was written by Ayanna Roberts, B.A. ’24, M.A. in Integrated Design student.
In December 2023, Barbara Wilkins cheered as her son walked across The Lyric Baltimore’s stage at The University of Baltimore commencement, earning his B.A. in Human Services Administration.
Her own commencement was just a semester away—a dream that took years to fulfill.
Barbara’s journey in higher education began at Baltimore City Community College, where she began to pursue a nursing degree. She was poised to continue her studies in nursing at University of Maryland when a life-changing spin injury had her re-evaluating her goals.
That period of reflection brought her to UBalt. Here was a campus she first loved as a child, growing up mere blocks away, and a community she grew to love through her husband, a UBalt MBA alum.
“The University of Baltimore is a key part of our family’s story,” she said. … “UBalt is more than a school to us, it’s a shared legacy of growth and community.”
In spring 2024, Barbara walked across the same stage as her son, earning her B.A. in Information Systems and Technology Management.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, Barbara sought work in her chosen field but quickly realized how challenging it could be to land an entry-level position. She returned to UBalt to pursue a Master in Business Administration with a specialization in Data Analytics, continuing her journey of growth, resilience and achievement.
“I love the UBalt environment,” she said. “I love the organizations I’m a part of, I love the people I’ve met, and I just enjoy being in that atmosphere. It’s an atmosphere where I can grow, where people have like-minded ideas, and they’re trying to grow as well.”
As she balanced studies and caregiving, Barbara quietly carried the weight of grief. in 2017, her mother passed away while Barbara was managing her final exams. It would prove to be just one loss she would have to endure during her academic program.
Her own perseverance and her UBalt community helped her overcome this difficult time. Her University became more than just a school, it became a space where she could begin to heal, rediscover her strength and honor those she’s lost.
“When you’re on campus, you’re not thinking about those things in your life, you’re focused on what you’re there for. That’s how I was able to escape from the things that went on in my life,” Barbara said.
Barbara immersed herself in the UBalt community through its student life. She is a president emeritus of the National Society of Leadership and Success and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Woman of Color Student Association, History Club and the Student Government Association. Also, she works as a graduate assistant in UBalt’s Center of Student Engagement and Inclusion.
“My advice is to take the time for the things you enjoy doing,” she said. “You don’t get your time back. Focus on more than your education. Go to the events UBalt offers that’s going to connect you with people because networking is huge on our campus.”