Swarthmore College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Swarthmore College has 10 executives leading key functions including gallery curation, institutional strategy, sustainability research, and student organization management.

Committed to fostering a community where innovative ideas thrive, Swarthmore College provides a transformative educational experience through diverse academic programs and a deep dedication to social responsibility.

Leadership Roles at Swarthmore College

  • Kitao Art Gallery Co-President - Corinne Lafont
  • President - Valerie Smith
  • President - Adrian Rey
  • President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship - Ella Peyre
  • President - Annie Liu
  • President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship - Alice Coxe
  • President, S Sustainability Research & Fellow - Cassandra Conklin
  • Co-President - Alexander Jin
  • Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association - Gabrielle Nash
  • President, Swarthmore International Relations Club - Calvin Yifan Liu
  • Corinne Lafont, the Kitao Art Gallery Co-President at Swarthmore College, directs all creative programming and exhibition scheduling within the campus art space. Overseeing the curation of student-led installations, Lafont ensures that the gallery remains a vibrant hub for artistic expression and intellectual discourse. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to align gallery themes with the broader liberal arts curriculum. By managing the logistical requirements of rotating exhibits, Lafont facilitates meaningful engagement between the student body and the local arts community. Corinne Lafont also manages the allocation of gallery resources to support diverse creative projects. Through these efforts, the Kitao Art Gallery Co-President maintains the institution's commitment to fostering innovative ideas. The gallery serves as a critical venue for students to showcase research and creative work, ultimately strengthening the cultural fabric of the campus environment.

    Valerie Smith - President

    Valerie Smith, the President at Swarthmore College, architects the overarching institutional strategy and academic vision for the liberal arts community. Overseeing the alignment of campus resources with long-term educational goals, Smith ensures that the college maintains its reputation for rigorous intellectual inquiry. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Managers to secure financial stability and advance the mission of social responsibility. By driving initiatives that enhance the student experience, Smith directly impacts the quality of academic programs and research opportunities. Valerie Smith also manages external relations to bolster the institution's standing within the higher education landscape. Through consistent engagement with alumni and prospective students, the President cultivates a supportive environment where innovative ideas thrive. Smith secures the future of the college by prioritizing sustainability and academic excellence across all departments, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in transformative education.

    Adrian Rey - President

    Adrian Rey, the President at Swarthmore College, manages the operational execution of campus-wide administrative policies and student support services. Overseeing the integration of academic departments with campus life activities, Rey ensures that the college provides a cohesive and enriching environment for all students. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to support the diverse range of research opportunities available on campus. By coordinating with various administrative units, Rey facilitates the efficient delivery of resources that empower students to engage in meaningful academic pursuits. Adrian Rey also monitors the implementation of sustainability initiatives to uphold the college's commitment to environmental stewardship. Through these operational efforts, the President maintains the high standards of the institution. Rey drives growth by fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, ensuring that the college continues to offer a transformative educational experience that prepares students for future success.

    Ella Peyre - President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship

    Ella Peyre, the President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship at Swarthmore College, directs the strategic development of environmental research initiatives and fellowship programs. Overseeing the selection and mentorship of student researchers, Peyre ensures that the fellowship remains a cornerstone of the college's commitment to sustainability. This leadership role involves managing the distribution of research grants and coordinating with faculty to align projects with current environmental challenges. By facilitating partnerships between students and external organizations, Peyre expands the reach of the fellowship's impact. Ella Peyre also evaluates the outcomes of research projects to ensure they contribute to the institution's broader goals of social responsibility. Through these efforts, the President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship fosters a culture of inquiry and action. Peyre drives the advancement of sustainable practices on campus, providing students with the resources necessary to engage in meaningful research that addresses critical global issues.

    Annie Liu - President

    Annie Liu, the President at Swarthmore College, leads the development of community-focused initiatives and student engagement programs. Overseeing the coordination of campus life activities, Liu ensures that the college provides a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. This leadership role involves managing the allocation of funds for student-led projects and fostering collaboration across various campus organizations. By driving initiatives that promote inclusivity and social responsibility, Liu enhances the overall student experience. Annie Liu also works closely with the administration to align student programming with the college's core mission of fostering innovative ideas. Through these efforts, the President strengthens the sense of community among students, alumni, and faculty. Liu secures the long-term success of the institution by prioritizing the well-being and development of the student body, ensuring that the college remains a transformative space for intellectual and personal growth.

    Alice Coxe - President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship

    Alice Coxe, the President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship at Swarthmore College, manages the administrative operations and logistical support for environmental research projects. Overseeing the scheduling of research seminars and workshops, Coxe ensures that fellows have access to the necessary tools and expertise to conduct high-quality work. This leadership role involves maintaining the fellowship's budget and reporting on the progress of various sustainability initiatives to the college administration. By facilitating communication between student researchers and faculty mentors, Coxe promotes a collaborative research environment. Alice Coxe also coordinates the dissemination of research findings to the wider campus community to raise awareness about environmental issues. Through these efforts, the President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship supports the institution's dedication to sustainability. Coxe drives the efficiency of the fellowship program, ensuring that students are well-equipped to contribute to the college's mission of social responsibility and academic excellence.

    Cassandra Conklin - President, S Sustainability Research & Fellow

    Cassandra Conklin, the President, S Sustainability Research & Fellow at Swarthmore College, architects the framework for interdisciplinary research projects focused on climate change and resource management. Overseeing the integration of sustainability principles into the academic curriculum, Conklin ensures that students gain practical experience in addressing environmental challenges. This leadership role involves managing the fellowship's outreach efforts to connect students with professional opportunities in the sustainability sector. By driving the development of new research methodologies, Conklin enhances the college's capacity for innovative environmental study. Cassandra Conklin also collaborates with other campus leaders to implement sustainable practices across all college operations. Through these efforts, the President, S Sustainability Research & Fellow fosters a culture of environmental awareness and action. Conklin secures the institution's position as a leader in sustainability, providing students with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on the world.

    Alexander Jin - Co-President

    Alexander Jin, the Co-President at Swarthmore College, directs the strategic planning and execution of student government initiatives. Overseeing the representation of student interests to the college administration, Jin ensures that the student voice remains central to institutional decision-making. This leadership role involves managing the budget for student organizations and coordinating campus-wide events that promote community engagement. By driving initiatives that enhance student life, Jin contributes to the college's mission of fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment. Alexander Jin also works with other student leaders to address concerns related to campus policies and student welfare. Through these efforts, the Co-President facilitates a collaborative relationship between the student body and the college leadership. Jin supports the institution's commitment to social responsibility by encouraging students to participate in meaningful opportunities that enrich their educational experience and prepare them for future leadership roles.

    Gabrielle Nash - Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association

    Gabrielle Nash, the Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association at Swarthmore College, directs the organization's efforts to promote creative writing and literary analysis. Overseeing the publication of student journals and the hosting of reading events, Nash ensures that the association provides a platform for diverse voices to be heard. This leadership role involves managing the association's membership and coordinating with faculty to organize workshops that enhance students' writing skills. By driving the growth of the literary community on campus, Nash fosters an environment where innovative ideas thrive. Gabrielle Nash also manages the association's outreach to alumni and other literary organizations to expand the reach of student work. Through these efforts, the Co-Founder and President of Swarthmore Literary Association contributes to the college's mission of providing a transformative educational experience. Nash secures the association's role as a vital part of the campus cultural landscape.

    Calvin Yifan Liu - President, Swarthmore International Relations Club

    Calvin Yifan Liu, the President, Swarthmore International Relations Club at Swarthmore College, directs the club's activities focused on global affairs and diplomatic simulation. Overseeing the organization of model United Nations conferences and guest speaker events, Liu ensures that students have opportunities to engage with complex international issues. This leadership role involves managing the club's participation in regional and national competitions, thereby enhancing the college's visibility in the field of international relations. By driving discussions on global policy and social responsibility, Liu fosters a deeper understanding of the world among the student body. Calvin Yifan Liu also coordinates with other student organizations to promote interdisciplinary dialogue. Through these efforts, the President, Swarthmore International Relations Club supports the institution's mission of fostering innovative ideas. Liu provides students with the resources to explore global perspectives, ensuring they are well-prepared to engage in meaningful opportunities within the international community.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Swarthmore College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Swarthmore College?
    Swarthmore College is led by Corinne Lafont (Kitao Art Gallery Co-President), along with executives such as Valerie Smith (President) and Adrian Rey (President).
    Who is part of Swarthmore College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Swarthmore College includes leaders such as Corinne Lafont (Kitao Art Gallery Co-President), Valerie Smith (President), Adrian Rey (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Swarthmore College have?
    Swarthmore College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Swarthmore College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Swarthmore College includes roles such as Kitao Art Gallery Co-President, President, President, President, S Sustainability Research Fellowship, President.