During a private meeting in his office in the United States Capitol, Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black told the junior class that their chances of achieving their dreams depends on two things – living a moral life and outworking their peers. Chaplain Black’s life is certainly an example of hard work. He worked himself up from a difficult existence in one of Baltimore’s bleakest housing projects to being elected in 2003 to be the 62nd Chaplain of the United States Senate. Prior to coming to Capitol Hill, Chaplain Black served in the U.S. Navy for over twenty-seven years, ending his distinguished career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. As Rear Admiral, his personal decorations included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two medals), Meritorious Service Medals (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (two awards), and numerous unit awards, campaign, and service medals.

In addition to earning Master of Arts degrees in Divinity, Counseling, and Management, Chaplain Black has earned a Doctorate in Ministry and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology.