Bentley English and Media Studies Professor Barbara H. Paul-Emile, Ph.D., has been selected by the Women of the Harvard Club Committee as an honoree for the Third Annual Boston’s Most Influential Women of 2014.

Professor Paul-Emile will be one of nine women recognized for their demonstrated leadership, outstanding achievements and circles of influence in the fields of business, law, healthcare, science philanthropy, government, nonprofit organizations and academia.  Each honoree, whether affiliated with a national corporation or a local community, has exhibited excellence in their chosen field and has inspired many through their accomplishments. This year’s recipients also include Rosalin Acosta, Managing Director, Enterprise Investment Advisors, Enterprise Bank; Carolyn Yung Ho, MD, Medical Director, Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Brigham & Women’s Hospital; Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Care.com; Valerie Mosley, Chairwoman, Valmo Ventures; Priti Rao, Former, Executive Director, Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus; Laura Sen, CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club; and Madeleine Steczynski, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Zumix.

Professor Paul-Emile’s teaching and research interests lie in the areas of 19th century English literature, Caribbean literature, and Global Myth and Culture. Many courses she has taught throughout her tenure at Bentley often incorporate an international travel component, allowing students to experience new cultures firsthand, bringing her global academic influences in the classroom to life. She has produced numerous articles on professional topics and has pursued her creative interests by publishing a novel, Seer, and a collection of poems Dance of Life: Poems for the Spirit. A collection of her Caribbean short stories is anticipated for publication in Fall 2014 and she is also completing a manuscript on the mythic heroic path.

Since coming to Bentley in 1980, she has been the first minority member tenured and promoted to full professor and the first faculty member to be named Massachusetts Professor of the Year. She has received the Adamian Award for Excellence in teaching and was named to the Goldman Distinguished Chair in Arts and Sciences. Looking back on the experiences that have led her to this significant honor, she stated, “My academic journey has been a rewarding one.”

The Harvard Club committee asked Professor Paul-Emile to describe, what she believes makes an Influential Woman. As part of her answer she replied, “She is a pioneer who rides the outer boundaries breaking down barriers and walls.  With integrity and courage she faces challenges knowing that her strength and her power lie deep within. Such a woman knows her worth, yet is aware of her struggles and her imperfections. She understands her connection to the larger whole and affirms others. Her life is a silent testimony, beckoning to others with the message, ‘I overcame and so can you.’” These are words that she has undoubtedly applied to her own career.

This year’s ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 10th, 2014 at the Harvard Club of Boston.