Barnard College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Barnard College has 10 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, financial management, student governance, and academic inclusion.

Committed to empowering women through rigorous liberal arts education, Barnard College fosters intellectual growth and leadership development within a vibrant, diverse academic community in New York City.

Leadership Roles at Barnard College

  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Sharon Watkins
  • Senior Class President - Magan Chin
  • President - Dean Kromm
  • Class President - Tiferet Grossman
  • Sophomore Class President - Sania Hammad
  • Co-President - Isabell Roth
  • President - Desiree Burckin
  • Chief of Staff - Laura Maloney
  • Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness - Virginia Ryan
  • Vice President, Inclusion & Belonging & Interim Dean - Akilah Rosado
  • Sharon Watkins - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Sharon Watkins, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Barnard College, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the institution. Overseeing budget development, endowment management, and capital planning, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources directly support academic programs and student services. Sharon Watkins directs financial reporting and risk management strategies to maintain institutional stability. This leadership role involves close coordination with the Board of Trustees to align fiscal policies with the strategic goals of the college. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary capital for campus infrastructure and faculty research. Through rigorous financial analysis and transparent reporting, Watkins secures the economic future of the college, enabling the institution to continue providing a premier liberal arts education to women in a competitive higher education landscape.

    Magan Chin - Senior Class President

    Magan Chin, the Senior Class President at Barnard College, represents the interests of the graduating class while facilitating student engagement and community building. By organizing senior-specific programming and advocating for student needs, the Senior Class President ensures that the final year of the undergraduate experience remains impactful and memorable. Magan Chin directs student-led initiatives that bridge the gap between the student body and the college administration. This leadership role involves managing class funds, coordinating events, and fostering a sense of unity among seniors. Through active participation in student government, the Senior Class President influences campus culture and promotes student advocacy. By facilitating open dialogue and organizing collaborative projects, Chin strengthens the connection between the senior class and the broader college community, ensuring that student voices remain central to the institutional experience during the transition from undergraduate studies to professional life.

    Dean Kromm - President

    Dean Kromm, the President at Barnard College, provides the primary strategic vision and executive leadership for the entire institution. By overseeing academic affairs, institutional advancement, and campus operations, the President ensures that the college maintains its status as a premier liberal arts institution. Dean Kromm directs the implementation of long-term goals, including faculty development, curriculum innovation, and campus expansion. This leadership role involves representing the college to external stakeholders, donors, and the broader academic community. Through collaborative engagement with the Board of Trustees and faculty senate, the President shapes the institutional culture and academic direction. By prioritizing student success and inclusive excellence, Kromm drives the college toward achieving its mission of empowering women. Through decisive leadership and a commitment to academic rigor, the President secures the reputation and future growth of the institution within the competitive landscape of higher education.

    Tiferet Grossman - Class President

    Tiferet Grossman, the Class President at Barnard College, leads student initiatives and represents the specific needs of the class within the broader student government structure. By organizing community-building events and facilitating communication between students and the administration, the Class President ensures that class-specific concerns receive appropriate attention. Tiferet Grossman directs student-led projects that enhance the campus experience and promote student involvement in college governance. This leadership role involves managing class budgets and coordinating with other student leaders to address campus-wide issues. Through active advocacy and community engagement, the Class President fosters a supportive environment for students. By creating opportunities for collaboration and dialogue, Grossman strengthens the sense of belonging among students, ensuring that the student voice remains a vital component of the college's decision-making processes and overall campus life throughout the academic year.

    Sania Hammad - Sophomore Class President

    Sania Hammad, the Sophomore Class President at Barnard College, manages student programming and advocacy efforts tailored to the needs of second-year students. By organizing events that support academic and social integration, the Sophomore Class President helps students navigate the transition into the middle years of the undergraduate experience. Sania Hammad directs student-led initiatives that promote class unity and encourage participation in campus life. This leadership role involves collaborating with student government representatives to address class-specific challenges and opportunities. Through active engagement with the student body, the Sophomore Class President ensures that the interests of the class remain represented in institutional discussions. By fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for student feedback, Hammad strengthens the student experience, ensuring that the sophomore year remains a productive and engaging period for all students within the college.

    Isabell Roth - Co-President

    Isabell Roth, the Co-President at Barnard College, shares the responsibility of leading student government and representing the student body in institutional affairs. By collaborating with the other Co-President, the Co-President manages student advocacy efforts and oversees the implementation of student-led initiatives across campus. Isabell Roth directs the strategic planning of student government activities, ensuring that all projects align with the needs and interests of the diverse student population. This leadership role involves frequent communication with college administrators to address student concerns and promote campus-wide improvements. Through shared governance and collaborative decision-making, the Co-President fosters a culture of inclusivity and active participation. By facilitating dialogue and organizing community events, Roth strengthens the connection between students and the college, ensuring that the student voice remains a powerful and effective force in shaping the institutional environment and student experience.

    Desiree Burckin - President

    Desiree Burckin, the President at Barnard College, leads student government operations and represents the student body in high-level institutional discussions. By coordinating with other student leaders and college administrators, the President ensures that student perspectives inform the development of campus policies and programs. Desiree Burckin directs student-led advocacy efforts that address academic, social, and operational issues affecting the student experience. This leadership role involves managing the student government budget, overseeing committee work, and fostering a collaborative environment among student representatives. Through active engagement with the student body, the President promotes transparency and accountability in student governance. By facilitating communication and organizing initiatives that enhance campus life, Burckin strengthens the connection between students and the college administration, ensuring that the student voice remains central to the ongoing development and success of the institution.

    Laura Maloney - Chief of Staff

    Laura Maloney, the Chief of Staff at Barnard College, coordinates high-level administrative operations and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. By managing complex institutional projects, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment between departmental goals and the broader mission of the liberal arts institution. Laura Maloney directs internal workflows, optimizes resource allocation, and supports the implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance the student experience. This role requires constant collaboration with academic and operational leaders to maintain institutional efficiency. Through meticulous oversight of daily administrative functions, the Chief of Staff enables the college to focus on academic excellence and student success. By streamlining communication channels, Maloney strengthens the operational foundation of the college, ensuring that all administrative processes support the long-term vision of the institution while maintaining high standards of organizational performance and institutional integrity.

    Virginia Ryan - Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness

    Virginia Ryan, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness at Barnard College, manages the operational integration of student health services and wellness initiatives. By coordinating cross-departmental efforts, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness ensures that campus resources effectively address the physical and mental well-being of the student body. Virginia Ryan directs administrative processes that support health programming, facilitating seamless communication between clinical staff and institutional leadership. This role involves monitoring service delivery metrics and implementing improvements to enhance student access to care. Through strategic planning and resource management, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness strengthens the support systems essential for student success. Ryan maintains a focus on holistic wellness, ensuring that all health-related operations align with the college's commitment to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.

    Akilah Rosado - Vice President, Inclusion & Belonging & Interim Dean

    Akilah Rosado, the Vice President, Inclusion & Belonging & Interim Dean at Barnard College, directs institutional efforts to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus environment. By overseeing programs that support underrepresented students and faculty, the Vice President, Inclusion & Belonging & Interim Dean ensures that the college remains committed to its core values of diversity and belonging. Akilah Rosado manages the implementation of inclusive policies and facilitates training initiatives that promote cultural competency across the institution. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic departments to integrate inclusive practices into the curriculum and student services. Through strategic oversight of campus climate initiatives, the Vice President, Inclusion & Belonging & Interim Dean drives systemic change that enhances the experience of all community members. By championing equity and fostering a sense of belonging, Rosado strengthens the institutional commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Barnard College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Barnard College?
    Barnard College is led by Sharon Watkins (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Magan Chin (Senior Class President) and Dean Kromm (President).
    Who is part of Barnard College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Barnard College includes leaders such as Sharon Watkins (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Magan Chin (Senior Class President), Dean Kromm (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Barnard College have?
    Barnard College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Barnard College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Barnard College includes roles such as Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Class President, President, Class President, Sophomore Class President.