FOX 35 Showcases Rollins College Move-In Day Live

As Rollins College welcomed new and returning students back for the fall semester, move-in day brought excitement to the Winter Park campus, with families helping students settle into residence halls.

Speaking during a live broadcast from campus, Rollins President Brooke Barnett reflected on her first year leading the institution and said the college’s strong sense of community continues to stand out. Barnett said the campus is “more than just a pretty face,” emphasizing the close-knit academic environment and the relationships students build with faculty and staff.

Barnett said Rollins is preparing to launch a strategic planning process to help guide the college through ongoing changes in higher education. She noted that students, faculty, and staff will be involved in shaping the institution’s future direction.

The president also highlighted the value of Rollins’ small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio, saying those features help ensure students are known, supported, and engaged. She said a liberal arts education equips graduates with durable skills that can adapt to multiple careers and changing industries throughout their lives.

Two first-year students and their families were interviewed, along with a peer mentor and other returning students. Families described the move-in process as “smooth,” praising the many students and staff members who volunteered to help new arrivals.