Rollins College names Brooke Barnett as school's 16th president

ORLANDO, Fla. - Rollins College announced the election of Brooke Barnett, Ph.D., as its 16th president during a Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday. 

Barnett currently serves as Provost and Executive Vice President at Butler University, where she has spearheaded initiatives to enhance academic programs and expand access to education. Her accomplishments include launching a first-year experience program, integrating well-being into the curriculum, and creating mentorship opportunities. 

Before her tenure as Provost and Executive Vice President at Butler University, Barnett served as dean and professor at Butler’s College of Communication, where she grew enrollment, expanded graduate programs, and doubled endowment support.

Her earlier work at Elon University included co-creating the Center for Access and Success to enhance opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. 

Brooke Barnett is the 16th president of Rollins College, succeeding Grant H. Cornwell. [Credit: Rollins College]

"I was immediately drawn to Rollins’ mission of educating students for global citizenship and responsible leadership," Barnett said. "I’m eager to join the Rollins community and work with faculty and staff to help students flourish. Supporting student learning and well-being has always been central to my career in higher education."  

"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. "I’m eager to join the Rollins community and have the opportunity to get to know the students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as the broader Winter Park and Central Florida area."

Barnett is a published scholar and former journalist who earned a BA in English and communication studies from Georgetown College as well as an MA in journalism and PhD in mass communication with a concentration in law and visual communication from Indiana University. 

The announcement follows a comprehensive search process led by a Presidential Search Committee chaired by alumnus Orlando Evora. The committee reviewed 164 applicants to find a leader who could build on the legacy of President Grant Cornwell, who is retiring on June 30, 2025, after 10 years of service at Rollins.

Barnett and her husband, Tom Mould, were formally introduced to the Rollins community on Wednesday afternoon. She will officially assume her new role on July 1, 2025.