M.Ed., Southeastern University
B.S., Polk State College
J. Allen Barber Jr. joined the University of Georgia School of Law in 2023 as the assistant director of the Practicum in Animal Welfare Skills, which trains law students to improve animal welfare and prosecute related violations in their communities.
As assistant director, Barber leads the clinic in establishing and maintaining strong relationships with relevant enforcement agencies, including law enforcement, animal control and the Georgia Department of Agriculture. He is also responsible for expanding educational opportunities available to students enrolled in PAWS and serves as a law enforcement subject matter expert for animal welfare workshops throughout Georgia and a pending video instruction series.
Barber comes to UGA with more than 12 years of law enforcement experience. Most recently he served as an officer with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. He also worked with Florida’s Polk County Sherriff’s Office from 2006 to 2020, eventually serving as deputy sheriff for 11 years. Notably, he began his service with Polk County as an animal control enforcement officer, a position he held for nearly three years. In 2015 and 2013, Barber was awarded Department of Law Enforcement commendations, and he earned a Special Operations Division Commendation in 2009.
His other experience includes time as a CPR manager and instructor, real estate agent, substitute teacher and umpire.
Barber earned his Master of Education from Southeastern University after obtaining his Bachelor of Science in criminal science from Polk State College.