Barb Kirchmeier

Background

About Barb Kirchmeier

As the Director of General Education, I bring a passion for creating innovative, accessible, and engaging learning experiences. With nearly a decade of leadership in higher education, I am dedicated to advancing non-traditional course delivery models, developing effective curricula, and mentoring educators to inspire the next generation of learners.Previously, I served as the Director of Independent Study in Idaho and the Director of First-Year Composition at the University of Idaho. As the Director of Independent Study in Idaho, I managed strategic planning and policy development, oversaw course planning, market research, and outreach efforts, and collaborated with faculty and administrators across Idaho’s public universities. As Director of First-Year Composition, I spent almost seven years leading efforts to improve writing education. I specialized in teaching and mentoring future educators, designing face-to-face and online writing courses, and fostering collaboration through shared governance.My work has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Idaho GEM Innovative Educator Award for Written Communication (2019, 2020) and the University of Idaho Alumni Award for Excellence (2018, 2021).My research focuses on areas such as active learning in online classrooms, correspondence course delivery, developmental writing pedagogy, dual credit curriculum development, and teacher education. Beyond my academic contributions, I am committed to community leadership, having served in roles such as Alumni Marching Band Organizer, Church Council President, and Co-Cubmaster.With expertise in curriculum development, leadership, mentoring, and public speaking, I strive to foster educational excellence and innovation in every role I undertake.