President Sarah Willie-LeBreton

Smith College’s 12th president, Sarah Willie-LeBreton, has been in office since 2023. An accomplished scholar, sociologist, and educator who studies social inequality and race and ethnicity, her focus for her presidential tenure is on moving Smith—and, by extension, the world—forward as a community to a more joyful, just place. 

Photo of Sarah Willie-LeBreton smiling outdoors, in front of a background of green trees

About President Willie-LeBreton

Sarah Willie-LeBreton is 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.

Full Biography, Downloadable Photos, and More
“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

Meet the President’s Team

Composed of leaders across campus, the president’s team works to support and advise her on particular areas of expertise, such as enrollment, equity and inclusion, and alum relations.

Floyd Cheung

President's Office

Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

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David DeSwert

President's Office

Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

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Samantha Earp

President's Office

Vice President for Information Technology

Smith College Samantha Earp

Alexandra Keller

President's Office

Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Campus Life

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Joanna May

President's Office

Vice President for Enrollment

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Joanna Olin

President's Office

Chief of Staff and Liaison for Government Relations

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Elena Palladino

President's Office

Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Secretary of the College

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Julia Yager

President's Office

Vice President for College Relations and Communications

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Presidential Colloquia

Presidential colloquia are events that feature influential thought leaders in a variety of fields—from poets and writers to economists and policy experts—to share their expertise, offer insights, and inspire discourse on key social, political, and global topics that call for our attention. These events are open to the public unless otherwise noted.

October 3, 2023

Adrianne Todman ’91, 12th deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Watch the video on Facebook (login not required)

“One of the things Smith prepared me for was the art of critical thinking. And with that critical thinking comes not just receiving what people give you, but also understanding what do I need to find out on my own so that we can make good decisions.”

—Adrianne Todman ’91 speaking at the Presidential Colloquium on October 3, 2023.

Adriane Todman '91 speaking with President Sarah Willie-LeBreton on stage with flowers in between them.

With the Community

Sarah Willie-LeBreton has hit the ground running with her presidency. From the School for Social Work commencement to an ice cream meet-and-greet with faculty and staff members, see how she’s engaging with her newfound community.

Sarah Willie-LeBreton smiles on stage at her inauguration.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton dances with Smith community members at her inauguration party.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton with a crowd of students on Mountain Day
Sarah Willie-LeBreton with SGA members.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton in academic regalia, speaking at the President's Welcome Assembly.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton at the School for Social Work commencement reception.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton in academic regalia, speaking at the School for Social Work commencement ceremony.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton greeting students at Central Check-In.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton meeting with faculty and staff members over ice cream on Seelye Lawn.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton at the School for Social Work commencement reception.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton meeting with faculty and staff members over ice cream on Seelye Lawn.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton, in a selfie with two students.
President Sarah Willie-LeBreton on Chapin Lawn with students.
Sarah Willie-LeBreton passes out cider donuts to students on Mountain Day
Sarah Willie-LeBreton with poet Ross Gay.
President Sarah Willie-LeBreton standing at the podium during the installation ceremony.

The Inauguration of Sarah Willie-LeBreton

On October 20 and 21, 2023, the Smith community celebrated and welcomed Sarah Willie-LeBreton into our vibrant campus community with lectures, pop-up installations, musical performances, luncheons, a dance party—and more. 

Explore the Highlights

Contact Office of the President

College Hall
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063

Email: president@smith.edu

Kat Dolan
Executive Assistant to the President
kdolan@smith.edu
413-585-2106

Joanna Olin
Chief of Staff and Liaison for Government Relations
jolin@smith.edu
413-585-2108