The Inauguration of President Brooke Barnett

Rollins formally inaugurated President Brooke Barnett as its 16th president in a ceremony that celebrated the College’s history, mission, and future. The event brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, community leaders, former colleagues, friends, and family to mark a new chapter in Rollins’ 140-year legacy.

The ceremony opened with interfaith reflections from faculty and students, offering prayers for peace, light, and wisdom as President Barnett begins her tenure. Representatives from across the Rollins community and beyond shared greetings that emphasized her collaborative leadership style and the strong partnership already forming between Barnett and the College community.

Friends, former colleagues, mentors, and Barnett’s family—her husband, Tom, and children, Lily and Jack—reflected on the qualities that have defined her life and leadership: her curiosity, compassion, integrity, sense of humor, and deep commitment to helping others thrive. The formal investiture was led by Rick Goings, chairman of the Board of Trustees, officially installing Barnett as Rollins’ 16th president.

In her inaugural address, Barnett reaffirmed her commitment to students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and the Central Florida community. She celebrated Rollins’ distinctive strengths, including its pragmatic liberal arts tradition, spirit of service, teacher-scholar-mentor model, and enduring relationships. Looking ahead, she called for bold, thoughtful, and kind leadership rooted in curiosity, gratitude, and shared purpose.

The ceremony concluded with the Rollins alma mater and a reception celebrating the beginning of President Barnett’s leadership.