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

David DeSwert

President's Office

Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

Samantha Earp

President's Office

Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

Smith College Samantha Earp

Alexandra Keller

President's Office

Dean of the College and Vice President for Campus Life

Joanna May

President's Office

Vice President for Enrollment

Joanna Olin

President's Office

Chief of Staff and Liaison for Government Relations

Elena Palladino

President's Office

Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Secretary of the College

Anne-Marie Szmyt

President's Office

Vice President for Human Resources & Executive Education; Chief Human Resources Officer

Anne-Marie Szmyt

Debra Townsend

President's Office

Interim Vice President for College Relations and Communications

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Conversations with Sarah

Conversations With Sarah is a quarterly chat with President Sarah Willie-LeBreton. Get the president’s thoughts on matters related to Smith as well as the issues that are important to her, the Smith community, and higher education.

With the Community

From greeting new students at Central Check-In to participating in annual events like Cromwell Day, President Sarah can always be found at the heart of community events. Check out some scenes from this year.

A group of people outside with colorful ribbons.
President Sarah handing out donuts on Mountain Day
President Sarah dancing with Smith community members
Students and staff members with President Sarah on Cromwell Day
President Sarah greeting a new student during central check-in

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.

April 9, 2024

Lynnette Watkins, MD, M.B.A., President and COO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

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)

With a Local Leader

President Sarah Willie-LeBreton with Dr. Lynnette Watkins, President and COO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, during her presidential colloquium on April 9, 2024.

President Sarah Willie-LeBreton on stage with Lynnette Watkins during her presidential colloquium.

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 highlights from the weekend

Contact Office of the President

College Hall
Smith College
Northampton, MA 01063

Email: president@mblayst.com

Kat Dolan
Executive Assistant to the President
kdolan@mblayst.com
413-585-2106

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