Senior Lilley Barber thrives in university’s art therapy program as well as on the soccer field

Senior Lilley Barber of Overland Park, Kansas, is studying art therapy at Concordia University, Nebraska. She also plays on the women’s soccer team, works at university coffee shop 10:31 and works in the Brommer Art Center. 

“I chose to study at Concordia Nebraska because of the Christian values, incredible professors and the family feel on campus. At my visit, I immediately felt like this was where I was supposed to be. Once I heard that they had an art therapy program, I made my decision. Concordia Nebraska is different from other universities because of the intentionality of the professors. When I’m in the classroom or art studio, my professors make it a point to know me as a student and a person. It's clear they all want me to succeed.” 

Barber discovered the university after a high school soccer teammate named Emily Howard told her she planned to attend the university to play soccer.  

“She encouraged me to check it out. After going through recruiting, I decided to earn my degree here. Emily and I have been roommates and teammates all four years,” she said. “My favorite part of the Concordia experience so far is meeting so many people. I met my best friends here, who I will remain friends with forever. I have made amazing and important connections through my team, my classes and working on campus.” 

Concordia Nebraska is different from other universities because of the intentionality of the professors. When I’m in the classroom or art studio, my professors make it a point to know me as a student and a person. It's clear they all want me to succeed.

Barber said her studies are focused on both psychology and art. 

“I get the best of both worlds. The art department and professors have especially helped me discover my purpose. I knew I liked art and people growing up. While I’ve been here, I’ve been shown that I’m more than capable of making art,” she explained. “I have also been shown how I can help others through art and therapy become better versions of themselves. When I had new ideas, the professors never told me I couldn’t do them. Instead, they asked, ‘what can I do to help you develop this idea?’ If I had questions, they were patient and listened. When I felt I could not do something, they encouraged me and showed me I could. They would challenge me with new topics, so that I could develop skills I never knew I had.” 

She said she feels confident that her time at the university is preparing her for her future vocations.  

“Professors have given me many resources, including their own connections with alumni or others that I can contact once I graduate. Many times, speakers or presenters will show up to my classes and discuss their jobs,” she said. “This has been a helpful guide to see what possibilities my degree will open. I also have a community within the student body that I can lean on for support once my time here is over.” 

She said her time at the university has also helped to grow her faith in Jesus Christ. 

“You can see God through not only classrooms, but other settings as well. On the soccer team, we pray every time we end practice, end a game or even begin a game. We also do devotions before home games to set our minds right,” she said. “God is a huge part of the community. Even 10:31 is based off 1 Corinthians 10:31. We meet every customer right where they are every day. It's a powerful thing to be able to pour into other people on campus while others pour into you. I see God working to grow us as people, and to grow us closer to Him.” 

She said taking classes like Old Testament, New Testament and Faith and Life at the university have made the Bible come to life for her. 

“I gained a lot of knowledge from those classes that I will carry through my whole life,” she said. “I feel my faith is stronger since I decided to study at Concordia Nebraska.” 

Barber said she is considering going to graduate school to study art therapy and counseling following her time at Concordia Nebraska.  

“I have not decided on a sure route. I have considered owning my own practice one day. I would love to work with kids up to 18 years old or elderly people with Alzheimer's. I also want to work with kids with disabilities in some manner,” she said. “I have considered looking into applying to a hospital as an art therapist as well. I do want to continue making art and possibly sell it eventually. I know whatever job and career path I end up following will be the God chosen path for me.” 

A degree in art therapy provides students with a quality foundation to use the creative process to help people of all ages improve their health and emotional well-being. After earning a master's degree and fulfilling post-graduate art therapy experience requirements, students can work in schools, nursing homes, prisons, hospitals, recreation facilities, mental health hospitals and nonprofit agencies. Or they may choose to work with other medical professionals to create a treatment plan for patients who may benefit from art therapy in addition to more traditional remedies.