This afternoon, Barnard students, faculty, and other community members received a welcome email from the college’s eighth president, Sian Leah Beilock.

Beilock expressed her enthusiasm at jumping into her new role, noting that “settling in slowly is not an option at Barnard.” She spoke highly of the college’s students, faculty, location, and alumnae, extolling Barnard’s “unique – and singular – position as a small women’s college associated with a major research university” and its commitment to “challenge assumptions, broaden awareness, and hone abilities to think critically.” Beilock also specifically spoke to the intellectual capabilities of Barnard students and the “lifelong community of women” that they form.

“I look forward to hearing from you, listening to you, and engaging with you,” Beilock wrote. “Together, we will demonstrate the power of intellectual leadership in the lives we lead, academically, professionally, and as citizens of the world.”

The email also included a video (which you can find after the jump) of President Beilock introducing herself to and talking with a few members of the Barnard community. Like the students she will soon lead, she walked through Altschul and the Diana, hung out in the quad, and tried a slice of Koronet pizza. New college presidents: they’re just like us!

Dear Barnard Community,

It’s official: I am now a New Yorker and thrilled to be the President of Barnard College. As you well know, settling in slowly is not an option at Barnard—Barnard women tend to dive in with extreme enthusiasm and devotion to whatever endeavor they pursue. This video will give you a taste of my introduction to this wonderful community.

I can imagine no better place to be than Barnard College. Our world-class faculty uphold a strong tradition in the liberal arts with a focus on academic excellence at its core. Together with our unique – and singular – position as a small women’s college associated with a major research university, we provide unparalleled opportunities to our students. Barnard truly is the best of all worlds for students and faculty who care about the fundamental disciplines that enhance our abilities as thinkers and doers. And we are fortunate to have an exceptionally talented and dedicated staff to help make our aspirations possible.

Barnard’s location in New York, a city rich in culture and in community, and its tradition of providing educational opportunities to young women with different lived experiences attract students who bring a diversity of perspectives to the campus. This diversity enriches the learning experiences of all by enhancing the range of perspectives on any given topic. Together, we challenge assumptions, broaden awareness, and hone abilities to think critically. Year by year, we will continue to enrich our learning environment by seeking every opportunity to ensure all members of the community have access to the treasures that Barnard has to offer and participate fully in the life of the College.

I look forward to making deep connections with alumnae, who are among the most distinguished, responsible, and successful citizens and who contribute to their communities in so many ways. I know we all take pride in our association with Barnard, which stands out as a leader among institutions of higher education. I am heartened by the fact that Barnard students join a lifelong community of women they can count on throughout their lives. I cannot think of a more important time for Barnard to show the rest of the world that women’s intellectual power can drive nations, institutions, and communities.

It is great to be here. I look forward to hearing from you, listening to you, and engaging with you. Together, we will demonstrate the power of intellectual leadership in the lives we lead, academically, professionally, and as citizens of the world.

Sincerely,

Sian Leah Beilock
President
Barnard College