Barbara Lorraine Michiels Hernandez is currently a Professor and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Health & Kinesiology at Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. She received her Ph.D. in Health Education and Technology from Texas Woman's University of Denton and her M.Ed. and B.A. from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Elementary Education, Dance, Physical Education and Supervisor.

Barbara was inducted as a National Research Fellow of the Research Consortium of AAHPERD in 2009 and Faculty Senate President for 2013-2014. She has been a public school teacher, dancer, artistic director and Executive Director for the National Dance Association as well as a faculty member at five universities.

Dr. Hernandez has authored, edited and published textbooks, book chapters, and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles. She has received national and regional grants for research and professional development. Her research interests are women’s health, dancer’s health, standards and Hansen’s Disease.

Professional conference presentations have been at the international, national and state levels. Barbara is a reviewer for professional health journals. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of CNHEO. She served on the Board of Trustees and was Speaker of the House for SOPHE, T-SOPHE Delegate and Chaired the Research Committee and served on the General Committee for SDAAHPERD and delegate for SHAPE America (Research Consortium, AAHE & NDA).

Barbara is a Master's Certified Health Education Specialist and a Lifetime Certified Teacher and Certified Dance Educator. Dr. Hernandez is the advisor and founder of Eta Sigma Gamma Health Educator, Delta Omicron chapter at Lamar University. Dr. Hernandez is married with a daughter and two grandchildren.