Mike Barry, Faculty

For longtime faculty member Mike Barry, Loyola Academy has always been a place that challenges students to become their best selves—in the classroom, through cocurricular involvement, and in their relationships with others. Since joining Loyola in 1981, Mike has witnessed many changes across campus, from the transition to coeducation to the growth of new facilities and programs, but one thing has remained constant: Loyola’s commitment to forming students intellectually, spiritually, and personally. As a political science teacher with a passion for global perspectives, he encourages students to see the world as diverse, interconnected, and often more complex than it first appears. Through studying different systems of government and cultures, students learn that understanding differences can lead to stronger relationships and greater empathy.

Known for his humility, curiosity, and hands-on spirit, Mike believes growth comes through both success and struggle. His advice to students is simple but meaningful: take responsibility for your actions, learn from challenges, and recognize that respect is earned through integrity and hard work. Outside the classroom, Mike enjoys home improvement projects and still smiles when recalling his years working part-time at a lumber yard, where he learned to drive a forklift. Whether teaching political science, guiding students through moments of uncertainty, or helping them discover their own potential, Mike continues to embody Loyola Academy’s mission of forming women and men for others.