Laura A. Rosenbury has been elected the ninth president of Barnard College of Columbia University. Rosenbury currently serves as dean of University of Florida Levin College of Law, a position she has held since 2015.
“It’s an honor to be named Barnard College’s next president, and I look forward to carrying forth its legacy as the leading academic institution for the advancement of women,” Rosenbury said in the announcement. “It was immediately clear how committed and close-knit the Barnard community is, and I’m deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees and Search Committee for entrusting me to continue Barnard’s undeniable trajectory as a global frontrunner in preparing women to make their mark on the world.”
Barnard College is one of the most prominent women’s colleges in the United States. It was the first college in New York City to offer degrees to women and has always been led by a woman president.
Rosenbury is the first woman dean of UF Law. During her tenure, she also served as the Levin, Mabie & Levin Professor of Law, teaching courses in feminist legal history, employment discrimination, children and law, family law, and property. She is a member of the board of directors at the Guttmacher Institute, which works to advance research and policies related to sexual and reproductive health.
Rosenburg will begin her new position as Barnard College president on July 1.