Barnard College Executive and Leadership Team

Sharon Watkins, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Barnard College, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the institution. Watkins oversees budget planning, endowment management, and resource distribution to support the First-Year Foundation and other critical academic programs. By aligning financial strategies with the college's commitment to inclusive pedagogy, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that necessary funding reaches writing-intensive seminars and historical role-playing initiatives. This leadership role requires constant interaction with the Board to secure the financial future of the college. Sharon Watkins drives efficiency across all administrative units, allowing the institution to invest in faculty development and student support services. Through prudent fiscal management, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to maintain the academic excellence that defines the student experience.

Laura Rosenbury, the President at Barnard College, architects the overarching academic vision and strategic direction for the institution. Rosenbury leads the faculty and administration in upholding the commitment to writing-intensive education and inclusive pedagogy. By championing the First-Year Foundation, the President ensures that every incoming student gains the critical reading and discussion skills necessary for intellectual success. This leadership role involves representing the college to external stakeholders and fostering a culture of academic rigor. Laura Rosenbury drives institutional growth by prioritizing programs that cross disciplinary boundaries and promote diverse perspectives. Through consistent engagement with the academic community, the President maintains the college's reputation as a leader in undergraduate education. By setting the tone for the entire campus, the President ensures that the mission of empowering students remains the primary focus of all administrative and academic efforts.

Dean Kromm, the President at Barnard College, focuses on the operational scaling of academic programs and the expansion of the college's influence in higher education. Kromm directs efforts to enhance the First-Year Experience, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and impactful for a global student body. By overseeing the implementation of innovative teaching methods, the President supports the faculty in delivering high-quality, discussion-based seminars. This role involves managing institutional partnerships that broaden the reach of the college's unique educational model. Dean Kromm drives initiatives that strengthen the connection between academic research and classroom practice. Through strategic leadership, the President ensures that the college continues to provide an environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. By focusing on the long-term development of the academic program, the President secures the institution's position as a premier destination for undergraduate study.

Tiferet Grossman, the Class President at Barnard College, represents the interests of the student body and facilitates communication between students and the administration. Grossman organizes events and initiatives that foster community and support the academic goals of the First-Year Foundation. By advocating for student needs, the Class President ensures that the college's inclusive pedagogy remains responsive to the evolving experiences of the students. This role involves coordinating with other student leaders to promote engagement in writing-intensive courses and historical role-playing games. Tiferet Grossman drives student-led projects that enhance the intellectual life of the campus. Through active participation in governance, the Class President contributes to the vibrant culture of the college. By serving as a bridge between the student body and the faculty, the Class President ensures that the academic experience remains grounded in the needs and aspirations of the students.

Isabell Roth, the Co-President at Barnard College, shares the responsibility of leading student governance and promoting the academic values of the institution. Roth focuses on fostering an inclusive environment where students can engage deeply with the First-Year Writing and Seminar curriculum. By collaborating with the administration, the Co-President ensures that student feedback informs the development of academic programs. This role involves organizing forums and discussions that encourage critical thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Isabell Roth drives initiatives that celebrate the diverse educational backgrounds of the student body. Through dedicated leadership, the Co-President supports the college's mission to provide a rigorous and equitable education. By working closely with the other Co-President, the Co-President ensures that student voices are heard and integrated into the broader strategic planning of the college, ultimately enhancing the overall student experience.

Viktoriya Rutkovskaya, the Co President at Barnard College, manages student advocacy and promotes the academic mission of the college within the student community. Rutkovskaya focuses on enhancing the accessibility of the First-Year Foundation, ensuring that all students have the tools to succeed in writing-intensive courses. By facilitating dialogue between students and faculty, the Co President helps maintain the high standards of the college's seminar-based learning. This role involves leading initiatives that support the intellectual growth of the student body. Viktoriya Rutkovskaya drives efforts to create a welcoming campus environment that values diverse perspectives and inclusive pedagogy. Through collaborative leadership, the Co President ensures that the student experience remains aligned with the core values of the institution. By working in tandem with the other Co President, the Co President strengthens the connection between student life and academic excellence.

Oluwadara Akinsooto, the Year Class President at Barnard College, leads efforts to build community among students within specific academic cohorts. Akinsooto focuses on supporting the transition of incoming students into the First-Year Foundation program. By organizing peer-led discussions and academic support groups, the Year Class President ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of writing-intensive courses. This role involves coordinating with faculty to identify areas where student support can be improved. Oluwadara Akinsooto drives initiatives that promote academic engagement and foster a sense of belonging. Through active leadership, the Year Class President contributes to the inclusive environment of the college. By focusing on the specific needs of the class, the Year Class President ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed in the rigorous academic program offered by the institution.

Desiree Burckin, the President at Barnard College, oversees the strategic implementation of student-centered initiatives that support the academic mission. Burckin focuses on the integration of historical role-playing games and other interactive learning tools into the First-Year Foundation curriculum. By ensuring that these programs remain accessible to all students, the President supports the college's commitment to inclusive pedagogy. This role involves managing relationships with academic departments to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of a diverse student body. Desiree Burckin drives efforts to enhance the intellectual life of the college through innovative teaching and learning strategies. Through consistent leadership, the President maintains the high quality of the academic experience. By focusing on the practical application of the college's mission, the President ensures that students are well-equipped for their future academic and professional endeavors.

Laura Maloney, the Chief of Staff at Barnard College, directs administrative operations and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to support the academic mission. Maloney manages internal communications and ensures alignment between executive leadership and faculty objectives. By streamlining institutional workflows, the Chief of Staff facilitates the delivery of the First-Year Foundation program, ensuring that writing-intensive courses remain accessible and effective. This role involves managing complex projects that impact the broader campus community, requiring constant collaboration with academic departments. Laura Maloney optimizes resource allocation to maintain the high standards of the college. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff enables the institution to focus on its core goal of providing a transformative educational experience for all incoming students, regardless of their prior academic preparation or background.

Virginia Ryan, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness at Barnard College, coordinates health-related initiatives that support the holistic well-being of the student body. Ryan manages the integration of wellness services with the academic experience, ensuring that students remain healthy while navigating the rigorous First-Year Writing and Seminar requirements. By facilitating communication between health departments and academic leadership, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness ensures that the college provides a supportive environment for all learners. This role involves overseeing operational logistics for wellness programs that serve the diverse student population. Virginia Ryan drives initiatives that promote mental and physical health, which directly impacts student success in the classroom. Through careful coordination, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness maintains a balanced campus culture.