Learn About Former Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett During President’s Speaker Series Event

On Thursday, March  20, 2025, Pepperdine president Jim Gash (JD ’93) welcomed former secretary of the US Air Force Barbara Barrett for the first President’s Speaker Series event of the spring semester. Barrett, who was also pivotal in founding the US Space Force, discussed how her upbringing on a rural Pennsylvania farm inspired her to become a trailblazer on behalf of women and uphold the value of freedom as a lawyer, diplomat, and military leader.  

The conversation retraced Barrett’s steps back to her father—a World War II veteran, farmer, and steel worker. As the oldest of six children, Barrett watched him work tirelessly to support their large family. When he passed away from a horseback-riding accident when Barrett was 13,  she took on the responsibility of managing the family farm and working multiple jobs to provide for her mother and siblings.

“Everyone does something 24 hours a day,” explained Barrett. “I just did a lot more than my classmates were doing at the time.”

Learn more about Barrett and her impressive professional journey on the University Newsroom.