Staff Profile

Kate Barker

Kate Barker

Associate Director, Center for Applied Learning

Email: kbarker@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2151
Office: SBGE Center House


Education: AA, Covenant College, 2002; BA, Webster University, 2005; MM, University of Denver, 2011. At SPU since 2014.

Kate Barker weaves together vocation and profession in her role as Associate Director with the Center for Applied Learning (CAL). Kate has worked across the US and internationally, combining work in the areas of business, education, music, and Christian faith in a variety of ways. In her work with CAL, she enjoys engaging with students to explore and develop their own intersections of academic study and professional interest. Kate coordinates aspects of the Mentor Program, the Social Venture Plan Competition, and promotes CAL throughout SPU and the greater Seattle community. 

When not on campus, you can typically find Kate outdoors, kayaking or learning to sail around Lake Union, exploring parks, or cultivating her plot in a local community garden. When not outside, Kate plays and teaches cello, and serves at her local church home, Bethany Presbyterian on Queen Anne Hill.


Why I Work at SPU

Kate Barker, Associate Director, Center for Applied Learning

I work at SPU because of the exceptional students, faculty, and staff. From academic programs to co-curricular resources to spiritual care, I see (and experience) SPU as a place where the whole person is invited to grow, think, work, and explore. It is a privilege to engage with individuals in this life-long process.