Ray Barbosa Jr., Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Education
M.Ed. Director
Office: Old Main 416B
Email: rbarbosa@wtamu.edu
Phone: 806-651-2685
Professional Profile
As an accomplished and experienced professional in the field of education, Dr. Ray Barbosa Jr. currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Principal Certification (M.Ed.). With an impressive track record spanning over several years, Dr. Barbosa has held various positions of leadership and responsibility.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Barbosa served as the Director of Principalship from 2018 to 2022 and Head of the Department of Education for WTAMU in his first year, 2017. He also served as the Coordinator of Migrant Services of Region 16 Education Service Center in Amarillo, as a Loss Control District Manager, in Sales Marketing, as a Project Manager, and as the Executive Director for Priests for Life Ministries of New York. Moreover, Dr. Barbosa has taught as a K-12 teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, and regional coordinator for high schools and elementary schools in public school districts within the region.
Dr. Barbosa has an impressive educational background, holding a Technical Degree in Production Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Business, a Master’s Degree, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. In his pursuit of continuing education, Dr. Barbosa attended Amarillo College, Frank Phillips College, Texas Women’s University, West Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University.
In addition to his extensive management experience, Dr. Barbosa has a passion for education and helping people from all countries further their education to become employable and lead productive lives as contributing citizens. Dr. Barbosa is trilingual and speaks English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL), further adding to his abilities to connect and communicate with diverse groups.
Teaching and Related Service
Since his first coaching assignment in 1989, Dr. Barbosa has coached various sports in K-12 schools, including basketball, football, golf, soccer, and volleyball. Initially, he spent four years in private K-12 education before dedicating 13 years to public schools. During that time, he taught and coached federal programs, district testing, district instruction and curriculum, and ultimately, administration. In 2002, he also began teaching seminarians about EL Civics and life discernment. Dr. Barbosa is an assistant professor for the Master of Educational Leadership and Principalship Certification program at West Texas A&M University, where he serves students, staff, and teachers.
Research and Creative Activity
Dr. Barbosa’s research interests include ethics, social justice, instructional technology, school culture, rural schools, at-risk schools, migrant students, educational outcomes, school effectiveness, and leadership.