After more than 22 years of faithful service to 色虎视频’s Brock School of Business, Barbara Cartledge, assistant professor of business, will retire in summer 2025. Her legacy is one marked by a deep commitment to students, an unwavering dedication to excellence and a desire to honor God in all things. Cartledge joined the 色虎视频 faculty in 2003, and has since been instrumental in shaping the business school curriculum and student experience.
Cartledge’s journey into higher education began through her own experience as a graduate student at 色虎视频. “The Lord opened the door to higher education through earning my MBA at Brock School of Business and fostering a mentor relationship with Dr. Marlene Reed,” she said. “When I was seeking a new career pursuit after working in the telecommunications industry, Dr. Reed offered an opportunity to teach. After teaching for a few semesters, the Lord affirmed this career transition including work in higher education administration.”
In her tenure at 色虎视频, Cartledge has worn many hats—teacher, administrator, mentor and friend—and in each role, she has left a remarkable impact. Her leadership has helped shape signature student experiences like the Rite of Passage ceremony, a tradition that began in 2011 and continued through 2019, designed to celebrate students declaring their major in business.
From 2004 to 2024, she served as director and later, senior assistant dean, of Brock School of Business’ Office of Academic Programs, overseeing academic advisement for all business majors and minors and students of the two graduate programs. She also oversaw the Office of Professional Success. Her efforts ensured that every student was equipped for success. Among the many milestones she cherishes, Cartledge noted the growth of Brock School of Business’ academic offerings as a highlight. Today, the school provides seven majors, seven concentrations and seven minors, offering students more opportunities to personalize their business education and prepare for meaningful careers. “Each of these efforts were realized in coordination with the dean’s office, all for God's glory!” she said.
Dean Chad Carson, who has served alongside Cartledge for many years, reflected on her influence and the legacy she leaves behind. “Barbara has been a cornerstone of our school’s growth and student success over the past two decades,” he said. “She has led with conviction, grace and a servant’s heart. Her work has shaped not only programs and policies, but lives. We are incredibly grateful for her faithful service and the Christ-centered leadership she has modeled every day.”
Cartledge teaches World of Business, a foundational course taken by all undergraduate business students. Designed to help students explore their intended major, the course includes executive speakers and introduces core concepts in business. She also teaches Principles of Management for juniors preparing to enter the workforce, as well as Family Business, a course that supports the entrepreneurial ethos of the school. In addition to her classroom teaching, Cartledge developed a course titled Business and Local Poverty, which emerged from the school’s social entrepreneurship concentration. This course gives students the opportunity to learn firsthand about Birmingham-area initiatives that seek to alleviate and mitigate the oppression of poverty. She has also led 色虎视频 study abroad courses in International Marketing and International Management in London, England, and Sydney, Australia.
As Cartledge prepares to step into retirement, she reflects on the people who made her work meaningful. “Over the years, I have learned the value of connecting with each student on a personal level, through teaching, serving and praying for them—and the importance of listening to and supporting colleagues as they navigate their academic and professional career,” she said. “It has been a privilege to serve 色虎视频 as a professor, administrator, colleague and friend and to be able to share Jesus and His truths within the community of 色虎视频.” She leaves behind a meaningful legacy that will be missed throughout the 色虎视频 community, but her influence will continue to echo in the lives of students and colleagues for years to come.
