Benita Barnes

Benita Barnes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Policy, Research & Administration (EPRA) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focuses on graduate education, student development theory, mentoring, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). She holds a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Barnes is a leading scholar examining doctoral advising practices, student satisfaction, and institutional factors influencing academic success.

Educations:

• B.A., Michigan State University, 1982
• M.A., Michigan State University, 1999
• M.A., Michigan State University, 2003
• Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2005

Research Interests: Barnes explores how advising and mentoring shape doctoral student trajectories, with a particular focus on equity in higher education. Her work highlights disparities in disciplinary advising approaches and the role of HBCUs in fostering academic persistence.

Publications Overview: Her articles consistently investigate doctoral education challenges, including advising effectiveness, student preparedness, and institutional policies. Recent work emphasizes navigating doctoral programs successfully and rethinking 21st-century scholar formation.