Rapid Fire
What did you want to be at 15, and how close did you get?
I dreamed of studying abroad and seeing the world. I came pretty close. I’ve had the opportunity to build an international perspective through my education, career, and experiences with people from different cultures.
What did you do prior to joining NEIA that has nothing to do with education?
My earlier professional experience spans finance, operations, audit, and strategic planning across the financial services and automotive industries.
dejai.barnes@neiacademy.orgEDUCATION
B.A. in Political Science with a minor in German, Concordia University
M.A. in History and Philosophy of Religion, Concordia University
Ph.D. in the History of Christianity, Columbia University
BACKGROUND
Dr. Dejai Barnes leads the humanities department with a focus on encouraging students to explore literature, history, and culture from multiple perspectives and to make connections across time, disciplines, and geographies.
Dr. Barnes has extensive teaching experience across the secondary and university levels. Most recently, he served as English and History teacher at St. Mark’s School, where he taught courses ranging from American Literature and U.S. History to Gothic Literature, Feminist Literature, and Writing Workshop. His experience also includes teaching in Columbia University’s Core Curriculum and Department of Religion, as well as developing humanities curricula for middle and high school students through independent educational programs.
At NEIA, Dr. Barnes is committed to building a humanities program that gives students the space to ask complex questions, examine different points of views, and develop their own voices through reading, writing, and discussion.