Feature: Barbara Henkes, 50 years of excellence

Barbara Henkes, as of June 1, will have been employed with USC Aiken for 50 years working in administration and admissions. After graduating from Aiken High School in 1970, she attended USC Aiken and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in June 1972. 

Henkes accepted a full-time position quickly after graduating USC Aiken Banksia and has stayed with the university ever since: “I have had the pleasure of working with wonderful students pursuing their degrees and have enjoyed seeing them excel in the business world.” 

During her college years and time employed at USC Aiken, she has seen the university grow from just 200 students to around 4,000 students currently. Henkes has served under four directors of admission as well as five chancellors, including Dr. Heimmermann. 

One of Henkes’ greatest accomplishments at USC Aiken was with a woman similar in age who was paralyzed from the neck down due to a car accident. Together, Henkes and her colleagues were able to help the woman get started with her college career and was able to see her walk across the stage with her degree. 

Henkes expressed how thankful she was for the opportunities she encountered and the people she has met along the way: “I have so many people to thank for my wonderful experience at USCA. I look forward to serving many more students that choose USC Aiken for their college experience.”