Bates College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bates College has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and student leadership.

Driven by a commitment to human dignity and diversity, Bates College upholds academic rigor and fosters opportunities for qualified learners of all backgrounds, linking education with service and leadership.

Leadership Roles at Bates College

  • Co President - Anna Lawlor
  • President - Donald Harward
  • President, Bates Engineering Society - Fraol Nigusse
  • President and Founder of Protect Our Breasts Bates Chapter - Tess Holland
  • Co-president At Bates Africana - Chidera Kalu-uka
  • Co-President - Sophia Cocchiarella
  • President - Ryan Harding
  • President - Garry Jenkins
  • President - Katherine Bither
  • Team Captain - Harrison Nash
  • Anna Lawlor - Co President

    Anna Lawlor, the Co President at Bates College, directs critical student initiatives and campus programming. Lawlor oversees the coordination of various student-led organizations, ensuring alignment with Bates College's core values of academic rigor and community engagement. This leadership position involves fostering collaboration among diverse student groups and facilitating their contributions to campus life. By managing key operational aspects of student governance, Anna Lawlor directly supports the college's mission of linking education with service and leadership. The role requires strategic planning for campus events and initiatives, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive student experience. Lawlor's focus remains on empowering student voices and driving positive change within the Bates community. This executive function is vital for maintaining the dynamic campus environment that Bates College is known for.

    Donald Harward - President

    Donald Harward, the President at Bates College, architects the institution's strategic direction and upholds its foundational commitments to human dignity and diversity. Harward drives the overarching vision for academic excellence and fosters an environment that supports qualified learners from all backgrounds. This executive role involves guiding Bates College's engagement with its historical mission of coeducational, nonsectarian, and residential learning. By championing academic rigor and innovative programs, Donald Harward ensures the college remains a leading liberal arts institution. The leadership function encompasses fostering a culture where students and graduates connect education with service, leadership, and civic responsibility. Harward's strategic oversight is crucial for maintaining Bates College's reputation and advancing its educational impact globally. This position requires a deep understanding of higher education trends and a steadfast dedication to the college's enduring values.

    Fraol Nigusse - President, Bates Engineering Society

    Fraol Nigusse, the President, Bates Engineering Society at Bates College, spearheads initiatives for students in engineering disciplines. Nigusse organizes academic support events, networking opportunities, and technical workshops to enhance the learning experience for engineering students. This leadership position involves fostering a collaborative environment among aspiring engineers and connecting them with industry professionals. By promoting engagement with cutting-edge engineering practices, Fraol Nigusse supports the college's emphasis on academic rigor and practical application. The role requires strategic planning for society activities and ensuring alignment with the broader educational goals of Bates College. Nigusse's efforts are vital for developing future leaders in the field of engineering and reinforcing the college's commitment to diverse academic pursuits.

    Tess Holland - President and Founder of Protect Our Breasts Bates Chapter

    Tess Holland, the President and Founder of Protect Our Breasts Bates Chapter at Bates College, champions health awareness and advocacy initiatives. Holland directs campus-wide campaigns focused on breast health education and prevention strategies, fostering a culture of proactive wellness. This leadership role involves mobilizing student volunteers and collaborating with campus health services to disseminate vital information. By establishing and leading this crucial chapter, Tess Holland directly supports Bates College's commitment to student well-being and community responsibility. The function requires strategic planning for outreach programs and educational events, ensuring broad impact across the student body. Holland's pioneering work is instrumental in promoting health literacy and empowering students to make informed decisions about their health.

    Chidera Kalu-uka - Co-president At Bates Africana

    Chidera Kalu-uka, the Co-president At Bates Africana at Bates College, leads initiatives that celebrate and promote African and African American culture and scholarship. Kalu-uka oversees programming designed to foster dialogue, understanding, and community engagement among students interested in Africana studies. This executive role involves collaborating with faculty and student groups to organize cultural events, guest lectures, and academic discussions. By enhancing the visibility and impact of Africana scholarship, Chidera Kalu-uka supports Bates College's dedication to diversity and inclusion. The function requires strategic planning for events and outreach, ensuring robust participation and meaningful dialogue. Kalu-uka's leadership is essential for enriching the academic and cultural landscape of the college.

    Sophia Cocchiarella - Co-President

    Sophia Cocchiarella, the Co-President at Bates College, directs key aspects of student governance and campus life initiatives. Cocchiarella collaborates with fellow student leaders to enhance the overall student experience, focusing on community building and resource accessibility. This leadership role involves overseeing specific committees and projects aimed at improving student services and engagement. By ensuring effective coordination among various student organizations, Sophia Cocchiarella supports Bates College's mission of fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. The function requires strategic planning for student-led activities and advocating for student needs. Cocchiarella's dedication to collaborative leadership is vital for empowering the student body and reinforcing the college's commitment to student development.

    Ryan Harding - President

    Ryan Harding, the President at Bates College, drives strategic initiatives focused on enhancing student life and campus operations. Harding oversees the implementation of programs designed to support student success and foster a strong sense of community. This leadership role involves collaborating with various departments to ensure seamless delivery of services and resources to the student body. By championing initiatives that promote student well-being and academic achievement, Ryan Harding reinforces Bates College's commitment to holistic development. The function requires effective management of student-focused projects and advocating for student needs within the college structure. Harding's leadership is crucial for maintaining a dynamic and supportive campus environment that aligns with the college's core values.

    Garry Jenkins - President

    Garry Jenkins, the President at Bates College, directs critical operational functions that support the institution's academic and administrative goals. Jenkins oversees key departments responsible for resource management and strategic planning, ensuring efficient allocation of college assets. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration across various administrative units to achieve institutional objectives. By driving operational excellence and implementing innovative solutions, Garry Jenkins contributes to the sustained growth and stability of Bates College. The function requires a keen focus on optimizing processes and enhancing service delivery to the college community. Jenkins's strategic oversight is vital for maintaining the robust infrastructure necessary to support Bates College's mission and its commitment to academic rigor.

    Katherine Bither - President

    Katherine Bither, the President at Bates College, leads strategic planning and execution for key campus initiatives. Bither oversees the development and implementation of programs that enhance student engagement and academic support services. This leadership role involves fostering collaboration among faculty, staff, and students to advance the college's mission. By championing initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, Katherine Bither reinforces Bates College's foundational commitments. The function requires meticulous attention to detail in managing projects and ensuring alignment with institutional goals. Bither's dedication to fostering a supportive and rigorous academic environment is essential for the continued success and reputation of Bates College.

    Harrison Nash - Team Captain

    Harrison Nash, the Team Captain at Bates College, leads athletic teams in achieving peak performance and upholding sportsmanship. Nash directs training regimens and fosters team cohesion, ensuring athletes are prepared for competitive challenges. This leadership role involves motivating student-athletes and instilling a strong sense of discipline and teamwork. By coordinating team strategies and fostering a positive competitive spirit, Harrison Nash contributes to the athletic department's success and the overall student experience at Bates College. The function requires effective communication and strategic planning to navigate league play and tournaments. Nash's dedication to athletic excellence directly supports the college's commitment to holistic student development. This role is essential for cultivating leadership skills and resilience among student athletes.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bates College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bates College?
    Bates College is led by Anna Lawlor (Co President), along with executives such as Donald Harward (President) and Fraol Nigusse (President, Bates Engineering Society).
    Who is part of Bates College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bates College includes leaders such as Anna Lawlor (Co President), Donald Harward (President), Fraol Nigusse (President, Bates Engineering Society) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bates College have?
    Bates College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bates College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bates College includes roles such as Co President, President, President, Bates Engineering Society, President and Founder of Protect Our Breasts Bates Chapter, Co-president At Bates Africana.