About
For Paul Barnett ’05, Carroll College was more than a place to earn a degree—it became a foundation for his life, his career, his faith, and his family.
A graduate in Accounting and Business Administration and a member of the Fighting Saints football team, Paul now lives in Hermiston, Oregon, where he owns a public accounting firm specializing in tax services for individuals and businesses. His firm serves approximately 2,400 clients annually and employs 16 people. Paul and his wife, Megan, an RN-C at their local hospital, are raising five children together: Henry, Catherine, Lucy, Eleanor, and Mabel.
Paul says there is not a day that goes by that he is not thankful for his Carroll experience. He credits Carroll with helping him become a better spouse, parent, accountant, business owner, and Catholic.
For Paul, the Carroll connection has never ended. Whether in airport lounges, on Oregon coast getaways, at a farmers market in Portland, or at the local grocery store, he continues to meet fellow Saints who are excited to share their own Carroll stories. To him, Carroll’s motto, “Not for school, but for life,” has proven true in every part of his journey.
What began with Paul soon became a family tradition.
Paul was the first in his family to attend Carroll, but many followed. The Barnett family legacy includes his brothers John Barnett ’08, Adam Barnett ’08, Mark Barnett ’17, and David Barnett ’18, as well as extended family members Sarah Decker ’20, Joseph Martin ’26, Emily Barnett ’28, and Clare Karpstein ’28.
Today, Paul is proud to have helped create a tradition where Carroll is often the first college his siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members consider. That Saint pride is already alive in his own home, too. His children sing the fight song, wear Carroll gear proudly, and are growing up with a deep love for the Carroll community.
Paul’s favorite part of Carroll was not limited to one class, tradition, or activity. He remembers the renewal of the Carroll Crazies, Softball Weekend, student gatherings, and the many personal interactions with classmates, alumni, and professors. He especially credits the people of Carroll—professors, mentors, teammates, and friends—with shaping him in ways that reached far beyond the classroom.
“Life, a career, and being a good person aren’t found in a book or lecture,” Paul shared, “but through the actions and interactions with others.”
That lesson continues to guide him today as he gives back to Carroll, shares his story with others, and helps recruit the next generation of Saints from his community. For Paul, being a Saint is not simply part of his past. It is part of who he is.
His advice to future Carroll students and families is to take ownership of the experience, soak up everything Carroll has to offer, and carry the torch forward.
For the Barnett family, Carroll is more than a college. It is a lifelong connection, a family legacy, and a tradition that continues to grow with each new generation of Saints.
