Ronald K. Barrett

Professor Ronald K. Barrett served at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) for 36 years, holding the rank of Professor since 1996. He became the first African American to achieve full professorship at LMU. His roles included Interim Chair of the Department of African American Studies (2004–2008) and Chair of the Department of Psychology (2010–2014). He co-founded LMU’s First Year Institute (1999–2001) and created influential courses like “Psychology of Men” and “Psychology of Death and Dying.”

Barrett’s research focused on Black funeral rituals, Africana thought, and interdisciplinary connections between psychology, anthropology, literature, theology, and philosophy. His work emphasized the role of death rituals in shaping family and community structures. He was widely recognized internationally for scholarship in the Caribbean, Africa, and the U.S.

His community contributions included founding the Brothers of Consciousness to support Black male undergraduates and establishing the United Methodist Junior Basketball League and Youth Employment Project, a grassroots anti-gang initiative in South Los Angeles. These efforts earned commendations from local governments and state officials.

Barrett was celebrated for his empathy, mentorship of Black students, and grief counseling work with inner-city youth. His legacy combines academic rigor with transformative community engagement.