Her Story
About Cynthia
Cynthia C. Barnes, PhD, is a retired professor who served 38 years at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, retiring in June 2020 during COVID after a career spanning over 40 years in higher education. She taught in the College of Business, including business writing, management, human resources, and computer classes, and established the university's MIS program. Since the early 1980s, Dr. Barnes has provided management and computer consulting services to employers, often through referrals based on her teaching expertise. She holds a PhD and earned several teaching awards along with other recognitions. Dr. Barnes attributes her success to hard work, setting high goals from age 16, and guidance from mentors, while maintaining strong values of integrity, ethical behavior, and independence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Cynthia
01What do you attribute your success to?
My hard work and setting goals for myself. Those goals I set kept me focused although it broke a few of my relationships. From the time I was young up until I was older I've had 13 marriage proposals but turned them down because I wanted to get my master's degree and my doctorate before I turned 30. I knew when I was 16 in high school I was going to be a teacher.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Set your goals high. Work hard to achieve them. Don't give up when the going gets tough. I had mentors along the way that helped me tremendously. I knew what I wanted from a young age and went to the right people to find out which option to major in.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Set your goals high. Work hard to achieve them. Don't give up when the going gets tough. Choose a major that is marketable. The most important skill is your ability to communicate verbally and in writing. You've got to learn some computer skills.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and hard work. Ethical behavior. I'm very independent and don't need a man to support me.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.