Dr. Kelle Barfield of Vicksburg, Mississippi was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, in recognition of her academic excellence at University of Southern California.

Barfield received her doctorate of education in 2024. Her dissertation applied bounded rationality theory of economics in comparing state accountability models of public schools and school districts with expectations of public education quality held by local business leaders.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 to recognize individuals of scholarly distinction in all academic disciplines. Today, the society has chapters on more than 300 campuses in the United States. Its mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”

Barfield agreed that lifelong learning is a key to excellence in personal lives as well as in communities. 

“I have always been inspired by those who dedicate their lives to teaching others, and I’m blessed to be able to take advantage of educational opportunities, which for me is truly the spice of life,” she said.

Barfield is the owner of Lorelei Books in downtown Vicksburg. She also serves as president of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.