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. 

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

Heather Johns

President's Office

Vice President for Communications and Marketing

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

Vice President for Government Relations and Chief of Staff

Joanna Olin

Elena Palladino

President's Office

Secretary to the Board of Trustees and AVP for Strategic Initiatives

Anne-Marie Szmyt

President's Office

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

Anne Marie Szmyt

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.

Connecting Across the Globe

After traveling across the U.S., connecting with alums from San Francisco to Philadelphia, President Sarah Willie-LeBreton ended this year’s Connect with Smith: On the Road series in London, convening at the historic University Women’s Club with over 60 alums and guests.

“The conversation and sense of community reminded me—yet again—of the power and reach of the Smith network around the world,” Willie-LeBreton said.

Learn More About the Series

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.

President Sarah Willie-LeBreton taking a selfie with a new student during Central Check-In
President Sarah waving to graduates in the Quad during Commencement 2025.
A group of people outside with colorful ribbons.
President Sarah dancing with Smith community members
Students and staff members with President Sarah on Cromwell Day
President Sarah on the basketball court with the team.
President Sarah talking with students during a house tea.
President Sarah during a fireside chat at Mwangi Cultural Center.
President Sarah with winners of the 2025 Rally Day hat competition on stage in John M. Greene Hall.
President Sarah clapping while watching a performance during the 2024 Cromwell Day.
President Sarah onstage with the Smith orchestra during Smith Arts Day 2025.
President Sarah and a senior lead a procession out of Helen Hills Hills Chapel after Baccalaureate 2025.

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.

November 4, 2025

Campus Colloquium
Admiral Rachel Levine, former U.S. assistant secretary for health.

October 16, 2025

Deborah Archer ’93, scholar, professor, and ACLU president.

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)

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@smith.edu

Kat Dolan
Executive Assistant to the President
413-585-2106

Joanna Olin
Vice President for Government Relations and Chief of Staff
413-585-2108