About Us

Becky Barlow is Auburn University’s associate dean for Extension and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resources Extension programs. In her role, Barlow is the bridge between specialists within the university and Extension agents in the field. Her favorite part of the job is expanding her understanding and knowledge of what Alabama stakeholders are up against. However, Barlow was not always a part of the world of agriculture.

Barlow did not grow up in an ag family. She grew up in big cities away from the agricultural scene. Barlow found herself in the world of agriculture in her own way. Originally going to school with dreams of becoming a veterinarian, she quickly realized, with the help of her chemistry class, that this was not the path for her. However, a love of the outdoors — instilled in her by adventure-loving parents — guided Barlow down her current path. Her intrinsic love for the outdoors, coupled with the artistic influence of her grandmother, led her to study landscape architecture at Mississippi State University. There, she fostered a love for large-scale planning and management, which influenced her to get a master’s degree in forestry. Barlow spent about 13 years working in the forestry industry before she landed her current position.

“It wasn’t a straight path at all, but you end up where you’re supposed to be,” Barlow said.

Her career is not the only thing that occupies her time. She is also a mother of two. When asked how she balanced her professional career and motherhood, she recalls a balancing act in her children’s early years. Barlow said scheduling was important with little ones. Remembering to make time for her responsibilities as a parent and her role as a forester was crucial early on in her career. Barlow said while sometimes it can be a lot to manage, those are the moments that you have to enjoy with your children.

As a woman in forestry, a male-dominated field, she learned that you can’t be afraid to be the only woman in the room. She recommends if there is a situation where you do feel overlooked or out of place, handle it with grace and persevere.

“It is important to be willing to jump in and do the work and show everyone you’re not afraid,” Barlow said.

The advice she would give to women considering working in her field is be prepared and speak up for yourself. Barlow believes if you are willing to get your hands dirty like everybody else, people will respect you ultimately. If you do this, you won’t let opportunities pass you by. A piece of advice that was given to her that she wants to share is to be bold. Her impressive accomplishments — as a mother, forester, associate dean and assistant director — exemplify how women can and will be bold in this industry.