Carolyn Barcus

Carolyn Gay Barcus (born September 3, 1939) is a Native American psychologist and Native American Elder known for her work with Native American students, self-actualization education research, and for her work with the Society of Indian Psychologists conference held annually in Logan, Utah. Barcus' work in psychology has been recognized as significant. In 2006, the American Psychological Association awarded Barcus the Samuel M. Turner Mentor Award. The American Psychological Association also honored Barcus in a postcard series titled Groundbreaking Women of Color Psychologists.

Early life
Carolyn Barcus was born in Alberta, Canada, in 1939. Barus was raised on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in the state of Montana. Barcus's biological mother was a member of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Barcus attended Montana State University and completed her bachelor's degree in Physical Education. In 1968, she attended Utah State University to obtain a master's degree in physical education. In 1975, Barcus continued with her education by earning a Doctorate of Education degree in Counseling Psychology.

Research
Barcus began her dissertation research in 1973 in self actualization education while at Utah State University. Barcus used this research to support Native American students by building upon effective education strategies through working and supporting teachers by way of improving their interpersonal and communication skills. This research embodied the self-actualization education course that was taught through experiential learning.

Career
Barcus worked as a school teacher for 7 years after completed her bachelor's degree. She worked as a teacher in Montana and Colorado via a program called the Bureau of Indian Affairs Relocation Program. It was this experience that led Barcus to move into the field of psychology. After completing her doctorate degree, Barcus worked for the Utah Department of Corrections, doing private practice until 1978 when she began working as a mental health specialist for the Intermountain Tribal School in Brigham City, Utah.

Barcus stayed with the Intermountain Tribal School until 1984 when she was called to provide mentorship to Native American students at Utah State University who were in the process of completing their master's degree in School Psychology. It was this work that led Barcus to stay at Utah State University to become a clinical assistant professor in the psychology department at Utah State University as well as the clinical director of the American Indian Support Project As a professor, Barcus continued to mentor and support Native American students in psychology by way of applying for grants and funding to start up the American Indian Psychologists and Psychology Graduate Students conference.

Barcus was recognized by the American Psychological Association in a postcard series entitled: Groundbreaking Women of Color Psychologists. Barcus was awarded the Samuel M. Turner Mentor Award in 2006 by the American Psychological Association. This award reflected Barcus' dedication to supporting minoritized graduate students interested in the psychology field.