Dr. Sharon Barrios

Dr. Sharon Barrios is Dean of Graduate Studies at California State University, Chico. Her previous positions include Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor and Assistant Chair of the Department of Political Science, and Coordinator of the Leadership minor. She is a graduate of Chico State with bachelors’ in history and political science and a master’s in political science. After graduating with a Ph.D. from Princeton University, she returned to Chico State with the intention of helping other first-generation students find their own pathway to graduate education. Barrios served for years as the campus coordinator for the Graduate Equity Fellowship program and other fellowship and loan programs that provide support for students aspiring to pursue a Ph.D.  Along with Dr. Kate McCarthy, she co-directs the Adelante Postbaccalaureate Pipeline Program, funded by a five-year, $2.9 million “Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions” grant from the Department of Education. The Adelante program offers academic and financial support to sophomore, juniors, seniors, and graduate students to support their own master’s and doctoral degree educational aspirations and success. Her research has been in the areas of immigration and organizational leadership.