Karah Barry ’25
Posted on: December 2, 2025
Keep learning, stay humble, and have a real impact.
“NGU created a space where I could ask big questions, wrestle with real issues, and grow into someone more grounded and confident. I’m leaving with deep gratitude for this community and all the ways it’s shaped me.”
These are the reflections of Karah Barry (‘25) who graduated from North Greenville University (NGU) on May 9. Barry, a double major in criminal justice and psychology, described her time at NGU as meaningful.
“My time at NGU has been incredibly meaningful – more than I ever could have expected when I first arrived. I’ve grown not only academically but spiritually, emotionally, and personally,” she said. “Some of my most formative experiences happened outside of the classroom – through conversations with professors who genuinely cared about me, late-night study sessions that turned into heart-to-hearts with friends, and opportunities to lead and serve in ways that pushed me outside my comfort zone.”
During her time at NGU, Barry received academic achievements, including the 2024 McLean-Smith SCICU Student of the Year award, which was a great honor to her.
“Receiving awards like the SCICU Student of the Year was incredibly humbling. I felt and still feel deeply grateful – because none of those accomplishments were mine alone,” Barry said. “They reflect the investment of so many people in my life: professors who pushed and encouraged me, friends who challenged me to grow, and family who supported me every step of the way.”
“Every recognition has reminded me of how much I’ve been given and how important it is to pay that forward. I don’t take it for granted, and I hope to keep living in a way that honors the people and experiences that helped me get here,” she said.
As Barry looks to the future and embarks on the next chapter in her life, she is excited to begin law school in the fall.
“In August, I’ll be starting law school at the University of Alabama, and I’m looking forward to diving into a field that I’ve become increasingly passionate about during my time at NGU,” she said.
Her decision to attend the University of Alabama was a prayerful and considerate one as she was accepted into nine strong law schools.
“After a lot of reflection and prayer, I’ve decided to attend the University of Alabama School of Law. Their program aligns really well with both my academic interests and professional goals, and I felt a strong peace about moving in that direction,” she said.
After law school, Barry hopes to pursue a career that involves legal research and advocacy and make a positive impact on the world around her through her future career.
“While I have a few different career paths in mind – whether that’s working in the court system, shaping policy, or eventually teaching – I’m most excited about finding meaningful ways to pursue justice and serve others through the law,” she said. “My goal is to keep learning, stay humble, and use whatever opportunities I’m given to make a real impact.”
