06/10/2026
✨ Generation of Saints: Paul Barnett ’05 and Family 💜💛
From the moment he stepped onto campus, **Paul Barnett ’05** knew Carroll College would be more than just a place to earn a degree—it would become a foundation for his life.
A graduate in Accounting and Business Administration and a member of the football team, Paul now owns a thriving public accounting firm serving more than 2,400 clients each year. Beyond his career, he and his wife Megan are raising five children—Henry (13), Catherine (11), Lucy (9), Eleanor (7), and Mabel (5)—rooted in the same values of faith, family, and hard work that were strengthened during his time at Carroll.
But for Paul, the impact of Carroll goes far beyond professional success.
“There is never a day that goes by that I am not thankful for my experience at Carroll,” he shares. “It has made me a better spouse, better parent, better accountant, and strengthened my Catholic faith.”
For him, Carroll isn’t just a four-year experience—it’s a lifelong connection. Whether he’s traveling, at the grocery store, or on the Oregon coast, he continues to meet fellow Saints everywhere he goes. And each encounter reinforces what he already knows: the Carroll connection is real, and it lasts a lifetime.
**What began with him soon became a family tradition.**
Paul was the first in his family to attend Carroll—but he certainly wasn’t the last. Today, that tradition spans siblings, cousins, and the next generation of Saints:
**The Barnett Family Legacy at Carroll:**
* John Barnett ’08 (brother)
* Adam Barnett ’08 (brother)
* Mark Barnett ’17 (brother)
* David Barnett ’18 (brother)
* Sarah Decker ’20 (cousin)
* Joseph Martin ’26 (nephew)
* Emily Barnett ’28 (niece)
* Clare Karpstein ’28 (extended family)
What started with one decision has grown into something much bigger—Carroll is now often the *first place* this family looks when beginning the college search.
At home, that Saint pride is already alive—and growing. His kids already sing the fight song, proudly wear Carroll gear, and—true to Saint spirit—even have a playful distrust of green and gold. And the future looks bright: his 13-year-old son Henry is already 6'3", his 11-year-old daughter Catherine stands at 5'7", and 9-year-old Lucy is not far behind at 5'1"—a promising lineup of future Fighting Saints in the making.
What made Carroll so meaningful to Paul wasn’t just what he learned in the classroom—it was the people who shaped his experience. Professors who led with authenticity. Teammates and classmates who became lifelong friends. Traditions that built a true sense of community.
“Life, a career, and being a good person isn’t found in a book or lecture,” he reflects. “It’s found through actions and interactions with others.”
That mindset continues to guide him today—not only as a business owner and father, but as someone actively helping recruit and inspire the next generation of Saints from his community.
His advice for future students and families is simple, but powerful:
Take ownership. Embrace every opportunity Carroll offers. And carry the legacy forward.
For Paul, being a Saint isn’t just part of his past—it’s part of who he is.
**In his words:**
*“Being a Saint provides me with positive guidance in my life as a parent, accountant, business owner, spouse, and Catholic.”*
💜 The legacy continues—and the next generation is already on
Read more of Paul's story on our website: https://carroll.edu/institutional-advancement/alumni/alumni-spotlights
