Barri Tinkler, Missouri Ozarks Hub, Springfield, MO
Dr. Barri Tinkler is Dean of the College of Education at Missouri State University (MSU) with a faculty appointment in the School of Special Education, Leadership, and Professional Studies. She earned a BA in history education at Northeastern State University, an MS in Education at Oklahoma State University, and a PhD in Education at the University of Denver. She has worked in the field of education for over thirty years as a k-12 teacher and a university teacher educator. She began her teaching career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Papua New Guinea then taught social studies in rural schools in Oklahoma. Her research focuses on community-engaged practices such as service-learning and the impact of these practices on the preparation of future teachers. She recently led the development of a new Center for Rural Education at MSU.