Story: Lisa Sollie | Photo: Cody Ingram
For years, Armand Barnard found his voice on stage and on screen. But beyond the spotlight, his ambitions run deeper: to understand people, not just perform for them.
After earning his undergraduate degree at Stellenbosch University, Barnard started exploring opportunities to continue his education in the United States, where his brother was already studying in Texas. Through the international recruitment agency, , he connected with Dr. Mark Davis, dean of at the baby直播.
Barnard said he felt an immediate connection. 鈥淚 could tell right away that this was someone I wanted to work with.鈥�
With guidance from Davis, Barnard chose UWA, drawn not only to its master鈥檚 degree in 鈥攃linical psychology option鈥攂ut also to the sense of community in Livingston.
鈥淚 knew it would be an adjustment coming to the States,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut the South, the people of baby直播, the Christian landscape and the strong sense of community here felt closer to my home country and Afrikaans culture.鈥�
An actor and musician from South Africa, Barnard has built a growing list of screen credits, appearing in productions such as Troukoors (Wedding Fever) (2021), its follow-up series (2021鈥�2022), and the television drama Die Byl (2025). He also appeared in the 2024 music video for 鈥楢-Okay,鈥� released by Sony Music Entertainment Africa.
鈥淪ince I was little, I鈥檝e always been interested in people and why they do what they do,鈥� Barnard said. 鈥淎cting lets you explore that in one way, but I wanted to understand it on a deeper level.鈥�
While studying at UWA, Barnard focused on global perspectives, preparing a thesis on Japanese attitudes toward therapy, which he said are more positive today than in years past. He hopes to visit the country one day to further explore its culture and evolving views on mental health.
As graduation approaches, Barnard is applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs, a highly competitive path he said can be as selective as medical school admissions.
After commencement, he plans to attend Nashville Music Night, hosted by Friends of South Africa, celebrating both his academic achievement and his South African roots alongside his mother and fianc茅e. The couple plans to marry in December, marking a new chapter in a year of transition.
Although his future plans remain uncertain, Barnard said that he draws strength from one of his favorite Bible passages, Jeremiah 29:11: 鈥淔or I know the plans I have for you,鈥� declares the Lord, 鈥減lans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.鈥�