Living Erie Hall of Fame: Dr. Barbara Behan
Nominated by: Missy Breckenridge & Sr. Patricia Whalen

On the surface, one sees Barbara Behan as an accomplished educator with a stellar performance as a teacher and leader at Mercyhurst College. Upon closer examination, one can reflect on her quiet devotion to children, young people, women and her family, an individual who is grounded in a deep, personal faith. She cites her two grandmothers as her role models who endured many hardships in their married and family lives through strong initiatives, commitment to their faith, and reliance upon positive outlook, humor and wit. Her father was her inspiration as a natural teacher who taught his children, very early in their lives, the critical value of education and literacy.

Barbara has given a lifetime of service to the Erie community through her devotion to education and physical wellbeing. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Hooked on Books, her involvement stemming from a commitment to foundational reading experiences for young children. Her expertise in literacy is extended to inner-city children while she serves as the Reading Supervisor at the Neighborhood Art House. Her belief in physical fitness has motivated her to teach golf to young women at Glinodo and chair the Jean Forsyth Golf Tournament for Junior Girls that benefits Lake Erie Earth Force.

Barbara is an outstanding educator who serves as a role model for excellence in teaching and learning. She received her B.A. in Mathematics at Mercyhurst College, a M.Engr. in Engineering Science at Penn State University, a M.B.A. in Business Administration at Gannon University, and a PhD. in Higher Education Administration at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1999, she received the Excellence in Teaching Award at Mercyhurst College. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award from Mercyhurst in 2003. Barbara is committed to the mission of Mercyhurst, especially her Catholic heritage of excellence, compassion and service to others.

With an extensive background in math and computer science, Barbara designed and implemented the first computer science degree at Edinboro University. She worked as a programmer/analyst at General Electric and International Paper. In 1985, she began her distinguished career at Mercyhurst College where she presently is Vice President of Academic Affairs.

A person’s habits are a reflection of the inner character and values of an individual. Barbara makes daily visits to her ill mother and weekly visits to the Art House; a testimony to her deep faith is her daily attendance at Mass. Her life has been the cultivation of habits that have led to community service and academic excellence. With her keen wit and joy for life, she has inspired all who know her.