Barnard College Executive and Leadership Team

Sharon Watkins, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Barnard College, oversees the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Managing the annual budget and capital allocation, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the delivery of writing-intensive courses and the First-Year Foundation program. Sharon Watkins directs financial reporting and risk management strategies to maintain the college's stability in a competitive educational landscape. This leadership role involves collaborating with academic leadership to fund innovative pedagogical tools, such as historical role-playing games and seminar-based learning environments. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, Watkins secures the necessary capital to uphold the college's commitment to inclusive and equitable education. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains rigorous oversight of all financial activities, ensuring that every dollar invested directly enhances the student experience and academic outcomes.

Anneka Norgren, the Chief of Staff To the President at Barnard College, manages the strategic priorities of the Office of the President. Coordinating high-level institutional projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that presidential directives translate into actionable goals for academic and administrative departments. Anneka Norgren facilitates communication between the President and the Board of Trustees, maintaining alignment on long-term institutional vision and financial health. This role involves overseeing complex policy development and representing the President in various internal and external forums. By managing the flow of information and critical decision-making, the Chief of Staff supports the college in maintaining its reputation for academic rigor and inclusive pedagogy. Norgren drives the execution of key initiatives that define the intellectual life of the college, ensuring that the President remains focused on advancing the core mission of providing transformative education to students.

Sania Hammad, the Sophomore Class President at Barnard College, represents the interests of the second-year student body within the college governance structure. Facilitating communication between students and the administration, the Sophomore Class President advocates for policies that enhance the academic and social experience following the First-Year Experience. Sania Hammad organizes community-building events and initiatives that foster student engagement across diverse disciplinary boundaries. This leadership role involves collaborating with student government leaders to address concerns regarding campus life and academic support services. By amplifying student voices, the Sophomore Class President ensures that the college remains responsive to the evolving needs of the student population. Hammad drives efforts to maintain the inclusive and supportive culture established during the first year, ensuring that students continue to thrive in their academic pursuits and personal development throughout their time at the college.

Cynthia Yang, the Associate Vice President & Special To The Advisor & President at Barnard College, manages specialized projects that bridge administrative policy and presidential strategy. Coordinating cross-departmental efforts, the Associate Vice President & Special To The Advisor & President ensures that institutional initiatives align with the college's commitment to anti-racist pedagogy and academic excellence. Cynthia Yang provides critical analysis and advisory support to the President, facilitating informed decision-making on complex academic and operational matters. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of strategic programs that enhance the First-Year Foundation curriculum. By managing relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring the seamless execution of presidential priorities, Yang supports the college in achieving its long-term educational goals. The Associate Vice President & Special To The Advisor & President maintains a focus on operational efficiency, ensuring that all special projects contribute to the overall success and reputation of the institution.

Mariame Sissoko, the President at Barnard College, defines the overarching academic vision and strategic direction of the institution. Leading the college's commitment to rigorous, writing-intensive education, the President ensures that the First-Year Foundation program remains a cornerstone of the student experience. Mariame Sissoko oversees the development of inclusive and anti-racist pedagogical frameworks that empower students from diverse backgrounds. This leadership role involves engaging with the Board of Trustees, faculty, and the broader academic community to advance the college's mission of intellectual discovery. By championing innovative teaching methods and fostering a culture of critical inquiry, the President drives the institution's impact on higher education. Sissoko maintains a focus on long-term growth and institutional excellence, ensuring that the college continues to provide a transformative environment where students develop the skills necessary to cross disciplinary boundaries and succeed in their future endeavors.

Isabell Roth, the Co-President at Barnard College, shares the responsibility of leading the student government and representing the student body to the administration. Focusing on student advocacy and campus culture, the Co-President works to ensure that the academic and social needs of the student population are met. Isabell Roth collaborates with fellow student leaders to implement initiatives that support the First-Year Experience and beyond, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This leadership role involves participating in college-wide committees to influence policy decisions that affect student life and academic support. By promoting inclusive practices and student-led programming, the Co-President contributes to the vibrant intellectual life of the college. Roth drives efforts to enhance student engagement, ensuring that the student voice remains a central component of the college's decision-making processes and overall mission of academic excellence.

Cherie Sun, the Co-President at Barnard College, leads the student government in partnership with the other Co-President to advocate for student interests and institutional improvements. Focusing on academic policy and student resources, the Co-President works to ensure that the college's commitment to writing-intensive education is supported by a robust student experience. Cherie Sun facilitates dialogue between students and faculty, promoting an environment of mutual respect and intellectual growth. This leadership role involves managing student government operations and overseeing projects that enhance campus life, such as seminar-based learning support and inclusive community initiatives. By representing the diverse perspectives of the student body, the Co-President ensures that the college remains responsive to the needs of its learners. Sun drives initiatives that strengthen the student community, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive within the college's rigorous academic framework.

Laura Rosenbury, the President at Barnard College, directs the strategic evolution of the institution's academic and administrative landscape. Overseeing the implementation of the First-Year Foundation program, the President ensures that the curriculum remains at the forefront of writing-intensive and seminar-based pedagogy. Laura Rosenbury fosters an environment of intellectual rigor and inclusivity, driving the college's mission to equip students with critical skills for a complex world. This leadership role involves managing high-level institutional partnerships and ensuring the financial and operational health of the college. By championing anti-racist educational practices, the President ensures that all students have equal access to the college's resources and opportunities. Rosenbury maintains a focus on long-term institutional impact, ensuring that the college continues to lead in providing a transformative education that prepares students for success across all disciplinary boundaries and professional fields.

Victoria Gordon, the Chief of Staff at Barnard College, coordinates administrative workflows across academic departments to ensure operational efficiency. Overseeing internal communications and cross-functional project management, the Chief of Staff aligns departmental goals with the broader institutional mission of academic excellence. Victoria Gordon facilitates high-level decision-making processes by synthesizing data from various college divisions, thereby supporting the executive leadership team in executing strategic initiatives. This role involves managing complex schedules and prioritizing institutional objectives to maintain the integrity of the First-Year Foundation program. By streamlining administrative operations, the Chief of Staff enables faculty and staff to focus on delivering writing-intensive courses and seminar-based learning. Gordon maintains rigorous standards for organizational performance, ensuring that all administrative support functions directly contribute to the success of the student body and the long-term sustainability of the college.

Virginia Ryan, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness at Barnard College, directs the operational integration of student support services with academic programming. Managing the logistical framework for wellness initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that health resources remain accessible to students navigating the demanding First-Year Experience. Virginia Ryan coordinates with campus departments to implement inclusive policies that support the mental and physical well-being of the student population. This leadership role involves analyzing service utilization data to optimize resource allocation across the college. By bridging the gap between administrative health policy and student-facing academic support, Ryan strengthens the overall educational environment. The Chief of Staff maintains a focus on holistic student development, ensuring that wellness programs align with the college's commitment to an anti-racist and equitable learning experience for every incoming student.