Barbara Calhoun Cargill

Ms. Barbara Calhoun Cargill served for sixteen years on the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE), retiring from public office in December 2020. She is the founder and director of WOW Science Camp (established 1994), a hands-on, faith-based science education program for children. A graduate of Baylor University (BSEd ’82) and Texas Woman’s University (MSSE ’92), Ms. Cargill is also a Texas Early Childhood Registered Trainer and leads professional development for teachers.

Ms. Cargill was elected to four terms on the SBOE and was twice appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve as chair of the Board (2011-15). Her legacy includes creating the Board’s annual Student Hero program, which recognizes fifteen students across Texas who demonstrate character and integrity through service. She is chair of The Woodlands Methodist School Board and serves on the Interlinc Family Foundation Board. She is involved in charitable causes in her community, especially the Reading Buddy program at a local elementary school.

In 2020, Governor Greg Abbott conferred upon Ms. Cargill the Commission of the Yellow Rose of Texas, the highest award bestowed to women for exceptional community service. She also has been the recipient of the “Thanks to Teachers” National Excellence Award, the Exceptional Support of Americanism Award from Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Lifetime Faithful Servant Award from Texas Values.

In 2021, Ms. Cargill and her husband, Terry (BBA ’82), funded the Barbara and Terry Cargill Endowed Scholarship, which supports deserving students in Baylor’s School of Education. She has been a member of the Baylor Mom’s Club (as the proud mother of a third-generation Baylor Bear). The Cargills are active members of The Woodlands Methodist Church. They have three adult sons—Chase, Blake, and Connor—daughter-in-law Tayler, and a precious granddaughter, Sutton.