When Batton Barber checks his blood glucose levels between classes, he’s not just managing his Type 1 diabetes—he’s fueling a mission that recently took him from Millsaps to the halls of Congress in Washington D.C. While peers worry about midterms and meal plans, this junior economics and political science major is helping shape national healthcare policy, armed with both personal experience and an education that’s prepared him to advocate for millions of Americans living with diabetes.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Barber’s life changed at the age of three when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. “The normal childhood experience was different for me compared to others,” he reflects. “Whether taking shots at the cafeteria table or waking up at 2:00 a.m. to monitor my blood glucose, I’d say the T1D journey has molded and shaped me into the person I am today.” That early diagnosis led to his family’s involvement with what was then the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, now known as Breakthrough T1D. From the beginning, the organization provided a community of understanding and support, connecting Barber with others facing similar challenges.
From Mississippi to Capitol Hill
BTD Group in Washington DC.
Barber, a junior with a double major in economics and government/politics, was recently selected to represent Mississippi in Breakthrough T1D’s advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., where he found himself in distinguished company. Other BTD representatives were from around the nation and from prestigious institutions like Columbia and Georgetown. But Barber’s Millsaps connection proved unexpectedly valuable. During one meeting, a legislative assistant for Congressman Emanual Cleaver II of Missouri specifically sought him out. The assistant shared that his alumni parents encouraged connecting with fellow Millsaps students. “They told him always to give his business card to any Millsaps student because they’re ready for real-world challenges,” Batton explained. “This shows how strong a family the Millsaps community is. It doesn’t matter where you go, there’s always someone there!” While the Ivy League students looked on, Barber received the coveted business card and potential internship opportunity—a testament to the enduring strength of the Millsaps network.
Advocating for Change
Batton visiting with Congressman Trent Kelly.
In meetings with Mississippi’s Senators and Representatives, Barber advocated for the Special Diabetes Renewal Act, which funds innovations in diabetes management technology. “Without the continual renewal of this Act, it would be difficult for diabetics to live a long and happy life,” Barber explains. Despite initial nerves, Barber found his voice in these high-stakes discussions. His Millsaps education proved invaluable, particularly in understanding complex policy implications. “Thanks to my studies in economics, I was able to understand some of the underlying issues between price controls and the inelasticity of insulin,” he notes, crediting professors like Dr. Max Littlejohn for this preparation.
The Millsaps Advantage
Back on campus, Barber’s advocacy work continues alongside his academic pursuits. Professors Dr. Blakely Fender and Dr. Avigyan Sengupta helped him develop an econometrics project examining diabetes correlations. “At Millsaps, professors are here to help you do what you love and do it well,” Barber says. “Professors to go out of their way to help students succeed.”
Batton, Mya Skinner and Hanna Meyer show off their insulin monitors while Mango chills.
His double major in economics and politics provides unique insights into healthcare policy. “Economics, government and politics have an interesting dynamic that interplay with one another,” he observes. “I’ve learned how economic models influence policy and how that plays out in the systematic and leadership roles here in the US.”
Building Community Support
Barber’s advocacy extends beyond Washington to the Millsaps campus itself. As a T1D Walk team leader, he’s grown the “Millsaps Steps for a Cure” team from 10 to 40 students in just one year, working alongside fellow T1D students Hannah Meyer, Mya Skinner and Cooper Miller. Managing Type 1 diabetes while trying to maintain his grades presents its challenges. “Sometimes stress can cause high blood glucose levels,” Barber explains. “Sometimes you wish you could ‘take a break’ from it because of the hassle it can be in day-to-day activities.” New technology funded by the Special Diabetes Program Renewal Act, along with support from friends and family, helps him maintain his physical and mental health while pursuing his goals.
Millsaps’ Breakthrough T1D Walk Team members.
Looking Ahead
Barber’s aspirations extend far beyond graduation. With law school on the horizon, he hopes to develop skills essential in crafting bipartisan bills and gain experience on Capitol Hill. His ultimate goal? Bridging the gap between profitability and affordability in healthcare. “I believe what I’m learning at Millsaps will help me become a game-changer in this crazy world,” he says. “I see my degrees helping me influence others on the need for need for bipartisan support, that it is not a matter of ‘blue or red,’ but a matter of doing what is right.” As Barber continues his journey—balancing academics, advocacy and his health—he embodies the Millsaps ethos of engaged learning and purposeful action. His next steps include participating in the Breakthrough walkathon in Houston, Texas, and continuing to advocate for the SDP Act through letters to state representatives. For current Millsaps students interested in advocacy work, Barber’s advice is simple but powerful: “Go for it! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. A little change can make a world of difference in the long run, plus it’s fun advocating for a great cause with your friends! Brick by Brick!”