Rollins College President on the Future of Higher Ed in the Age of AI
Brooke Barnett Explores the Evolving Value of a Liberal Arts Education, the Role of Storytelling in Leadership, and Why “Human Skills” May Be the Most Valuable Currency in the Future
May 5, 2026
In this episode of the B Student podcast, host Betsy Gardner sits down with Brooke Barnett, the 16th President of Rollins College, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of leadership, higher education, and the future of work.
Brooke offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to lead a modern institution in a time of rapid change, where AI, shifting workforce demands, and declining trust in traditional systems are reshaping everything we thought we knew about education.
1. Ask Professional Questions for a Shared Future
Rollins College president Brooke Barnett has been in her post for less than a year, so she’s been able to ask “Why do we do this?” Her experience has taught her that reflecting on the past at professional environments is often not as effective as framing questions in a way of working towards a better future together.
2. Don't Give Examples, Tell Stories
Brooke knows the best way to capture someone’s attention and keep them thinking on your topic isn’t just to share stories as examples, but to give them a narrative structure that sticks with them.
3. Everyone Has Something to Offer
She's also a firm believer that everyone can contribute to a group or organization, even - or especially - if they start off as disgruntled. She shares how to get everyone on the same page and working together toward common goals.
4. Exclusive! Rollins President Leaks Fox Day Date
Rollins College president shares when the school will celebrate its annual Fox Day tradition, where the president says the day is too nice to hold classes. This tradition dates back to the 1950s, and students try every trick they can think of to find out early when it will be and they get the day off from school.
5. What is the Thing That Only You Can Do in Your Job?
Brooke has held multiple roles across multiple academic institutions. When she started as the president this academic year, she had to make sure that she didn’t try to be a Dean or Provost. Instead, she adopted the mindset of “What are the things that only I, as the president, need to do that others can't?”