In this inspiring episode of Gateway Conversations, host Eltavious Johnson sits down with Dr. Brooke Barnett, the newly appointed 16th President of Rollins College, for her first in-depth campus conversation. President Barnett brings decades of experience in higher education leadership, a journalist’s storytelling soul, and a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered transformation.
Prior to joining Rollins in July 2025, Dr. Barnett served as Provost at Butler University, where she launched bold initiatives around student belonging, access, and institutional innovation. Her earlier work at Elon University included co-creating the nationally celebrated Center for Access and Success—a testament to her lifelong commitment to expanding educational opportunity.
In this episode, we explore:
We also talk about what excites her most about Rollins students—and the possibilities she sees for the college in the years ahead.
Whether you're a student, staff member, faculty colleague, alum, or trustee, this episode offers a powerful window into President Barnett’s leadership philosophy—and why she believes possibility lives at the heart of Rollins.
Quick Notes:
