Barnard College Executive and Leadership Team

Sharon Watkins, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Barnard College, directs the fiscal strategy and long-term financial planning for the institution. Watkins oversees the budgetary requirements for the First-Year Foundation, ensuring adequate funding for writing-intensive courses and specialized seminar materials. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer manages institutional assets to support the growth of academic programs and student services. By analyzing economic trends and operational costs, Sharon Watkins secures the financial stability necessary for maintaining small, discussion-based class sizes. This role requires close collaboration with the Board to align capital investments with the college's pedagogical goals. Through prudent management of resources, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of anti-racist teaching initiatives. Watkins ensures that financial operations remain transparent and effective, ultimately supporting the overarching mission of providing equitable access to high-quality education for every incoming student.

Anneka Norgren, the Chief of Staff To the President at Barnard College, manages the executive office and facilitates high-level strategic communication across the institution. Norgren coordinates the implementation of presidential priorities, including the advancement of the First-Year Foundation and its core writing curriculum. The Chief of Staff To the President serves as a primary liaison between the president and various academic departments, ensuring that institutional goals remain consistent with the college's commitment to inclusive pedagogy. Anneka Norgren oversees the preparation of briefings and reports that inform board decisions regarding academic policy and student outcomes. By managing the flow of information and project timelines, the Chief of Staff To the President enables the leadership team to focus on long-term growth and innovation. This role drives the operational success of the college, ensuring that every administrative action supports the mission of equipping students with critical academic skills.

Laura Rosenbury, the President at Barnard College, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution. Rosenbury champions the First-Year Foundation as a cornerstone of the academic experience, emphasizing the importance of writing-intensive courses in developing critical thinking skills. The President leads the faculty and administrative teams in upholding the college's commitment to inclusive and anti-racist pedagogy. By engaging with external stakeholders and the broader academic community, Laura Rosenbury secures the resources and partnerships necessary to advance the college's mission. This leadership role involves setting institutional priorities that cross disciplinary boundaries and enhance the intellectual life of the campus. Through a focus on academic excellence and equitable access, the President ensures that the college remains a leader in undergraduate education. Rosenbury drives the strategic initiatives that define the student experience, fostering a culture of rigorous inquiry and scholarly achievement.

Sania Hammad, the Sophomore Class President at Barnard College, represents the interests of the second-year student cohort within the college governance structure. Hammad facilitates communication between the student body and the administration, advocating for resources that support the transition from the First-Year Experience to more advanced academic work. The Sophomore Class President organizes events and initiatives that foster community and intellectual engagement among peers. By collaborating with student leaders, Sania Hammad ensures that the needs of the sophomore class are addressed in institutional planning. This role involves promoting inclusive practices that align with the college's broader commitment to diversity and academic success. Through active participation in student government, the Sophomore Class President contributes to the vibrant campus culture. Hammad works to enhance the student experience by creating opportunities for leadership development and peer-to-peer support, ensuring that the academic journey remains both challenging and rewarding for all students.

Cherie Sun, the Co-President at Barnard College, shares the responsibility of leading student government initiatives that enhance the overall campus experience. Sun focuses on developing programs that support student advocacy and academic engagement, particularly for those navigating the rigorous First-Year Foundation curriculum. The Co-President collaborates with administrative offices to ensure that student feedback informs policy decisions regarding campus life and academic resources. Cherie Sun drives initiatives that promote inclusivity and community building, reflecting the college's dedication to a supportive learning environment. By working closely with the other Co-President, Sun manages the execution of student-led projects that address the evolving needs of the student body. This leadership role involves representing the diverse perspectives of the college community in discussions with faculty and staff. Through strategic planning and active engagement, the Co-President fosters a culture of collaboration and academic excellence across the entire institution.

Mariame Sissoko, the President at Barnard College, leads specific student-focused organizations dedicated to enhancing the academic and social environment of the campus. Sissoko directs the strategic planning of student initiatives that complement the First-Year Foundation, ensuring that peer-led programs align with the college's pedagogical goals. The President manages the allocation of resources for student activities, fostering an environment where critical reading and discussion skills are applied outside the classroom. By facilitating collaboration between different student groups, Mariame Sissoko promotes an inclusive campus culture that values diverse educational backgrounds. This leadership role involves representing the student body in institutional forums and advocating for policies that support academic success. Through proactive engagement and organizational oversight, the President drives the development of programs that enrich the student experience. Sissoko ensures that student-led initiatives remain focused on the core mission of the college, fostering intellectual growth and community connection.

Isabell Roth, the Co-President at Barnard College, manages the operational and strategic aspects of student government to ensure the effective representation of the student body. Roth focuses on initiatives that bridge the gap between academic requirements and student life, particularly regarding the First-Year Seminar and writing-intensive courses. The Co-President coordinates with the other Co-President to oversee the implementation of student-led projects that promote inclusivity and academic excellence. Isabell Roth facilitates dialogue between students and the administration, ensuring that institutional policies reflect the needs of a diverse student population. This leadership role involves managing the logistics of student government activities and fostering a collaborative environment for all participants. Through strategic oversight and active engagement, the Co-President drives the success of student initiatives that support the college's mission. Roth ensures that the student voice remains central to the ongoing development of the academic and social landscape at the college.

Laura Maloney, the Chief of Staff at Barnard College, manages internal administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to support the academic mission. Maloney facilitates communication between executive leadership and faculty committees, ensuring alignment with the institution's commitment to writing-intensive education. By streamlining operational processes, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the First-Year Foundation program. This role involves monitoring institutional goals and providing strategic counsel to senior administrators regarding resource allocation. Laura Maloney maintains oversight of complex projects that bridge the gap between administrative policy and classroom implementation. Through rigorous attention to detail, the Chief of Staff optimizes the delivery of the First-Year Seminar curriculum. This leadership position drives organizational cohesion, allowing the college to maintain high standards of academic excellence while fostering an inclusive environment for students from diverse educational backgrounds across the campus.

Virginia Ryan, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness at Barnard College, coordinates strategic health initiatives that support the holistic development of the student body. Ryan aligns wellness programming with the academic demands of the First-Year Experience, ensuring that students possess the necessary support systems to thrive in writing-intensive environments. The Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness manages interdepartmental partnerships to integrate mental health resources into the broader campus culture. Virginia Ryan facilitates the execution of wellness policies that promote student success and academic engagement. By monitoring the effectiveness of health services, the Chief of Staff To the Vice President of Health and Wellness identifies opportunities for program improvement. This leadership role ensures that the college maintains a balanced approach to student life, fostering an environment where intellectual rigor and personal well-being remain mutually reinforcing priorities.