Waynesburg University named Emily Renee Barker of Mount Sterling, Ohio, a valedictorian of the Class of 2026.
Barker delivered the valedictory address during the University’s Commencement ceremony Sunday, May 3. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice administration, along with minors in political science and forensic investigation.
Barker was one of two valedictorians, alongside Abigail Speer, an early childhood and special education major from Bridgeville, Pennsylvania.
During her time at Waynesburg, Barker distinguished herself through academic excellence and campus leadership. She served as a Stover Scholar, Upper Room testimony coordinator, Student Senate social vice president and president of the Criminal Justice Club. She also worked as a peer tutor for courses including Introduction to American Government, Law and the United States Legal System, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure.
In addition to her campus involvement, Barker completed summer internships from 2023 to 2025 with the Pickaway County and Fayette County Prosecutor’s Offices in Ohio, gaining hands-on experience in the legal field.
Following graduation, Barker plans to attend law school at Duquesne University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Reflecting on her time at Waynesburg, Barker credited the University community for shaping both her academic and personal growth.
“My time at Waynesburg University has been defined by the people here,” Barker said. “Through encounters with professors and students, I learned more than I ever imagined I would, grew closer to Jesus and created long-lasting memories and relationships. I am a better person because of the people I met here.”
Barker also expressed gratitude for the mentorship of Dr. Larry Stratton, who played a significant role in her academic journey.
In her valedictory address, titled “Purpose in Christ,” Barker encouraged her classmates to seek purpose beyond professional achievement and to ground their lives in faith.
“You do not have to find your life’s purpose in your career,” Barker said in her speech. “You were created, with great intention, to find purpose in a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
She challenged graduates to use their careers as opportunities to serve others and make a meaningful impact.
“Let us go out from here finding purpose not in ourselves or in our careers but in doing the work that Jesus has called us to,” Barker said. “May we use our positions in our careers to act as servants to one another and witnesses of Jesus.”
Barker said the relationships and experiences she gained at Waynesburg prepared her to live out the University’s mission of faithfully transforming individuals and communities.
“My experiences and relationships at Waynesburg University transformed me into an individual who feels capable of transforming the polis through the love of Jesus,” she said.
About Waynesburg U.
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
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Scroll down to watch Emily's valedictory highlights.
