The Rollins College Board of Trustees announced that Brooke Barnett, Ph.D., has been chosen to succeed President Grant Cornwell when he leaves office in June. The Presidential Search Committee presented Dr. Barnett as its nominee to the Board during a special meeting on the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 11.
“Dr. Barnett’s leadership journey, marked by innovation, inclusivity, and a passion for student-centered growth, will undoubtedly build upon Rollins’ legacy of academic distinction and strengthen our reputation as one of the country’s premier liberal arts colleges,” said Chair of the Rollins College Board of Trustees Rick Goings in a prepared statement.
“I was immediately drawn to the Rollins College mission to educate students for global citizenship and responsible leadership and to prepare them for meaningful lives and careers,” Barnett said. “Student learning, well-being, and graduate readiness are central to why I have spent my career in higher education.”
Dr. Barnett earned a bachelor’s degree in english and communication studies from Georgetown College and a master’s degree in journalism and a doctorate in mass communication from Indiana University. She most recently served as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Butler University in Indianapolis. Her previous experience includes Dean and Professor of Communication at Butler’s College of Communication and key roles in academic affairs and inclusivity at Elon University.
Cornwell announced in April that he plans to retire at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. During his 10 years of service to the college, Cornwell helped transform the campus through numerous projects aimed at enriching the student experience and broadening academic offerings. Among them was the refurbishment of a 1950’s-era library building into Kathleen W. Rollins Hall. The 250,000-square-foot, five-story Lakeside Neighborhood created a new model for residential colleges with its priorities on health, wellness, and community. And the Tiedtke Theatre & Dance Centre has elevated the College’s status as leader in performing arts education. He also has advocated for academic freedom and last year joined the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, whose mission is to advance free inquiry, free speech, and diversity of thought as essential principles for institutions of higher learning and democracies.
The Presidential Search Committee chose Barnett from more than 150 applicants. The committee was made up of trustee, faculty, staff, student and alumni representatives and led by Trustee, Orlando Evora.
“We were looking for a servant leader, a leader who is a champion of the liberal arts who respects shared governance and the decision-making process,” said Evora. “We found that leader in Brooke Barnett.”
Dr. Barnett will be the college’s 16th president and will start her appointment on July 1, 2025.