Barbara J Woodhead, Director of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD), is a disabilities rights advocate with over thirty years’ experience at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She believes collaborations with faculty and staff are essential to supporting and empowering students. Prior to her work at UNL, Barbara was a high school English teacher and coach. Her graduate studies focused on linguistics and diagnostic assessments, and Barbara holds dual certification from the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). She began her work at UNL as an American Sign Language Interpreter. In the last fifteen years her expertise and roles have expanded to Assistant Director and now Director of SSD.  Barbara recognizes that equity in education is not a new mandate, but it has become more complex. Barbara is passionate about removing institutional barriers and ensuring that all students are able to demonstrate their abilities while participating in the student university experience. Professional recognition includes the 2024 Women of Courage, Character and Commitment Award and the Laurels’ Exemplary Leadership Award. When not at UNL, Barbara enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren, traveling, dinner parties with friends, reading, and evening gatherings around the firepit