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A Listening-Driven Leadership Approach

Since stepping into her role as Rollins’ 16th president, Barnett has launched the “Every Voice, One Vision” listening campaign to engage students, faculty, staff, and alumni in helping shape the College’s future direction. Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration and curiosity, with a focus on understanding the community’s strengths and aspirations.

Nearly 100 alumni responded to the call to submit questions to the president prior to September’s virtual Alumni Town Hall event. She spoke to the top themes and topics that emerged as important to the alumni community, with her remarks highlighting a deep respect for Rollins’ legacy and a clear focus on preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world.

“I’ve been inspired by the stories shared so far,” she remarked. “They reflect the deep pride and connection people feel to Rollins—and that’s the foundation we’ll build on.”

Barnett also shared her personal journey—from growing up in rural Kentucky to a career in journalism and higher education—and what drew her to Rollins. “I wasn’t looking to become a college president,” she said. “But Rollins stood out. The strong academic profile, the commitment to student success, and the warmth of the community made it the only place I applied.”

Student Life and Belonging

Barnett emphasized that student success is the cornerstone of every strategic initiative. She spoke about the importance of creating a vibrant and inclusive campus community, where all students feel seen, heard, and comfortable sharing their perspectives. “We want students to find their people, feel supported, and flourish,” she said.

From athletics and student organizations to new traditions like giving new students a symbolic compass pin at the opening convocation, Barnett envisions a campus culture that blends tradition with innovation. She also noted the importance of investing in staffing, programming, and facilities to meet the evolving needs of students across the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), Holt, and Crummer.

Curriculum for a Changing World

In response to the rise of AI and shifting workforce demands, Barnett highlighted Rollins’ proactive steps to evolve its curriculum. Faculty-led initiatives like the Rollins Conference Course (RCC) pilot for first-year students and Rollins Foundations in the Liberal Arts (RFLA) general education courses are connecting liberal arts education with career pathways, emphasizing high-impact skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and integrative learning.

Speaking to recent criticisms of the value and positive impact of a liberal arts degree, she stated “We don’t have an evidence problem. We have a PR problem. Liberal arts students fare well—we just need to make that clearer.”

Rollins is also enhancing AI integration, with new certificates and proposed majors in data analytics and AI, along with faculty grants to redesign courses. “The question isn’t whether AI is coming—it’s here,” she said. “Our job is to help students understand how to use it responsibly in whatever field they choose.”

Career Readiness

Barnett affirmed that Rollins graduates are already thriving, with a 92% placement rate for CLA students. But she emphasized the importance of expanding access to high-impact learning experiences like internships, research, and global learning.

She also stressed the vital role alumni play in student success, inviting graduates to mentor, host internships, and share their career journeys. “You are our best ambassadors,” she said. “Your stories, networks, and support help our students launch successfully—and we want to create more pathways for you to be involved.”

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Barnett acknowledged the broader challenges facing higher education—demographic shifts, affordability, and public trust, but expressed confidence in Rollins’ ability to navigate them. With strong enrollment, diversified revenue streams, and a prime location in Central Florida, Rollins is well positioned for resilience and growth.

“We’re asking: how do we use technology for transactional moments and preserve human interaction for relational ones?” she said, reflecting on the balance between innovation and Rollins’ personal approach to education.

She also spoke about the importance of preparing students for a globalized society and fostering “civic friendships”—the ability to see the humanity in others, even when we disagree.

Tradition and Reputation

From Fox Day to Candlewish, Barnett is embracing Rollins’ beloved traditions while working to elevate its national profile. “We don’t do the work for rankings,” she said. “But we do work worthy of high rankings.” With recent recognition from The Princeton Review and strong outcomes in study abroad, athletics, and classroom experience, Rollins is poised to tell its story more boldly.

Continuing the Conversation

As the Town Hall concluded, Barnett invited alumni to continue sharing their stories. “What do you say when someone asks about applying to Rollins?” she asked. “We’d love to know the full story.”

Over the coming year, she’ll be traveling to meet alumni in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York, with Alumni Weekend scheduled for March 26–29, 2026. “I’ve felt such a warm welcome,” she said. “I love hearing your Rollins stories, and I hope you’ll keep sharing them.”

• Alumni News