Presidential Announcement

Introducing the 12th President of Smith College

On July 1, 2023, Sarah Willie-LeBreton will take office as the 12th president of Smith College. An accomplished and dedicated scholar, educator and leader, she has a demonstrated record of addressing social inequality and fostering community. At a time when women’s education has become increasingly crucial for challenging the world’s problems and injustices, Willie-LeBreton is well-positioned to guide Smith through its next chapter.

“The promise of education is not just the creation of knowledge, but the model of how to share it for our mutual liberation and the collective good.”—Sarah Willie-LeBreton

Smith Selects Sarah Willie-LeBreton As 12th President

The Smith College Board of Trustees has announced that Sarah Willie-LeBreton has been named the 12th president of Smith College. Currently serving as provost and dean of the faculty of Swarthmore College—where she has taught since 1997—Willie-LeBreton has long been a champion of the liberal arts, working to strengthen inclusivity and addressing social inequality in various communities. Succeeding current president Kathleen McCartney, Willie-LeBreton will assume office on July 1, 2023. Read the full press release.

A Letter to the Smith Community

In a letter to the Smith community, the board of trustees introduced Sarah Willie-LeBreton as the college’s 12th president. Appointed after a comprehensive international search, Willie-LeBreton’s extensive experience as a sociologist, as a community-builder and as a leader made her the clear choice to guide Smith in achieving its goals for—and addressing the challenges of—the future.

READ THE LETTER

Smith Community Embraces Sarah Willie-LeBreton

Students, faculty and staff embraced—literally—Sarah Willie-LeBreton as newly appointed 12th president of Smith College, showering her with warm words of welcome, lots of congratulatory hugs, and high praise for the skills and experiences—both personal and professional—she brings to her role. In her first address to the campus in John M. Greene Hall, Willie-LeBreton, who grew up in a family of educators, honored what she called the “transformational power of education” and the role Smithies have long played in pushing our world forward. “One can simply not repeat enough, students who study at Smith change the world,” she said. “I am honored to play a role in continuing this work.”

READ WHAT STUDENTS HAD TO SAY

Welcome, President-Elect Willie-LeBreton

President Kathleen McCartney welcomed her successor to campus following the announcement of her appointment. In her address to the community, Willie-LeBreton spoke of Smith's "beautiful mission" and of her excitement to continue the college's important work.