Barbara Hayward’s passion for education took root after earning her bachelor’s degree in social science education from Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana Monroe), followed by a master’s degree from Brigham Young University.
She launched her teaching career at Cypress Creek High School in Houston, where she taught a diverse range of subjects, including algebra, sociology, psychology, and both U.S. and world history.
In 1989, as the Berlin Wall fell and Eastern Europe began to transform, Hayward found herself at a crossroads. After ten years of teaching and amid administrative changes that would significantly alter her schedule, she saw an opportunity to do something out of the ordinary. Ready for a new chapter, she decided to leave her teaching position and applied to serve as a missionary in Eastern Europe with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
“People in their mid-thirties don’t typically go on missions for my church, so quitting my job to become a missionary was a big step,” said Hayward. “When I received my assignment, I was shocked to learn I wasn’t going to Europe as I had hoped, but instead to Charlotte, North Carolina. In hindsight, it was exactly where I needed to be and ultimately led me to a career teaching at community college.”
Before departing for her mission in North Carolina, Hayward served locally in Houston, working with Southeast Asian refugees. During her 18-month mission, she engaged in proselyting for the LDS Church, often finding herself in neighborhoods and homes far beyond her usual circles and comfort zone.
“These experiences opened my eyes to new perspectives,” said Hayward. “Both the Southeast Asian community in Houston and the African American community I met in North Carolina welcomed me into their homes with warmth and generosity. I believe it was my mission that ultimately inspired me to focus on African American history during my Ph.D. studies.”
After completing her 18-month mission, Hayward pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Houston, where she wrote her dissertation, Winning the Race, which explored the education of newly freed slaves in Texas.
Though her dissertation advisor cautioned that she was spending too much time on the topic of Christianity, Hayward remained undaunted. “Spirituality and religious belief are deeply embedded in African American culture,” said Hayward. “I knew from experience that my research wouldn’t be authentic if I ignored such a vital aspect of their lives.” Eventually, the advisor withdrew his criticism.
Hayward also found herself intrigued by the black and white missionaries who left their homes in the North to come to Texas, where most of the schools were held in black churches. “The former slaves had a deep yearning to read the Bible for themselves, without a white minister interpreting it for them,” said Hayward. “Maybe I could relate a little to the missionaries' desire to teach those with a desire to learn.”
While Hayward worked on her Ph.D., she was hired for her first adjunct teaching position at Houston Community College. The following semester, she joined LSC-North Harris and eventually transferred to LSC-Tomball in 1995, where she remained an adjunct instructor. In total, Hayward served as an adjunct professor for eight years.
While serving as an adjunct at LSC-Tomball, Hayward worked part-time in the Admissions Office as an advisor and transcript evaluator. After completing her final registration and preparing for her first semester as a full-time faculty member, Robert Jones, one of the founding math faculty members, asked her to teach a developmental math class that urgently needed to be added to the schedule. As a result, during her first semester as a full-time history instructor in 2000, she also taught one developmental math course.
“It took me eight years to get my dream teaching job at LSC-Tomball,” said Hayward. “I always tell my students that the best part of my day is when I’m in the classroom. That doesn’t mean the rest of my life is miserable, it just means teaching is what I enjoy most. I love teaching college.”
Hayward teaches United States history and African American History. Her specialization is in 19th-century U.S. history, with a particular focus on reformers. “It’s hard to choose a favorite historical figure,” Hayward said. “I love learning about people who found creative ways to improve society, even if their efforts weren’t ultimately successful.” “It might seem like I’d be tired of teaching the same courses for over 30 years,” said Hayward, “but history is a story, and how we tell that story changes with each class, current events, and whatever new things I’ve been reading. We can shift the focus to different groups or perspectives, or explore new ways to frame the narrative. I love the story, and I love sharing discoveries with my students.”
While Hayward values her associations with LSC-Tomball faculty, administrators, staff, and students, she also appreciates the respect, faith, and independence she has received from administrators.
“I’m not saying that I don’t need oversight, but I’ve always felt that my supervisors and administrators respect my abilities to work with my students,” said Hayward. “They allow me to use my judgment in running my classes the way I think is best, and I can change my approach to a topic at the last minute if needed. They offer guidance to help improve my courses and enhance student interaction in a way that feels like a supportive nudge rather than criticism.”
When asked at the end of the spring 2025 semester what she likes to do in her spare time, Hayward laughed. “Spare time? That’s a funny question right now.” But once the chaos of closing or opening a semester is behind her, Hayward devotes much of her free time to serving her church. Currently, she teaches the 11 to 13-year-olds in Sunday School, conducts music a few times a month, and serves as an ordinance worker at the Houston temple. After grades are submitted, Hayward unwinds by spending time in her yard.
“My yard doesn’t look like it right now, but I enjoy weeding and tinkering with plants. I’m not exactly sure what I’m doing, but I love being outside.” She also finds joy in family history and genealogy; one of her favorite TV programs is Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. “I waste time playing solitaire on my tablet,” she said. “This summer, I hope to read some good books and finally get to a few writing projects I’ve been putting off. I also plan to visit my nephews and niece in Southern Colorado and Salt Lake City.”
After decades of teaching, mentoring, and serving, Hayward continues to approach each task with humility, purpose, and joy. Her life’s work, both inside and outside the classroom, is a testament to the power of experience, education, faith, and quiet perseverance. LSC-Tomball is grateful for her conviction, commitment, inspiration, and hard work.