About Me

Education has always been a part of my life.  I was born and raised in Kennesaw, Georgia, by two educator parents.  I graduated from Harrison High School and was heavily involved in instrumental music (especially the Trombone).  After graduation, I attended the University of West Georgia (UWG) and earned a degree in Education and Economics.  I was active in the Honors College, Model UN, and Academic Team. After graduating, I began to work at UWG as a residence hall director for middle and high school students living on campus and attending college.

In 2002, I moved to Boston to study at Boston College, where I received a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration.  During that time, I worked closely with Boston-area schools, placing student teachers, and I also worked at a high school in Boston, BU Academy.  In 2004, I returned to UWG and worked in admissions until I left to assume the role of Associate Director of Admissions at Armstrong Atlantic (in Savannah, Georgia) from 2007 to 2009.

In 2009, I had the pleasure of returning to my alma mater, UWG, to serve as Associate Director of Admissions.  Over the ensuing decade,  I progressed to Director of Admissions and ultimately Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.  In this role, I supervised UWG's enrollment operations, including admissions, financial aid, international services, adult and veterans services, and orientation; however, I always enjoyed working closely with current students of all ages.  In 2018, I received my doctorate from the University of Georgia.  Despite this career progression, my ultimate goal has been to make the greatest difference in the world.  I believe that includes supporting and educating students at the Middle School Level so they have the tools they need to reach their future goals.  I am deeply excited to start my sixth year at Factory Shoals Middle School and my fourth in 8th Grade

I am the proud husband of Taffey Cunnien, a counselor at Mason Creek Middle School, and I have a daughter, Amelia, who also attends the school.  We reside in Douglasville with a house full of dogs and cats (sometimes more than we can count because we foster animals for local shelters).  

I can't wait to work with the students of Factory Shoals!

Dr. Justin Barlow