Barnett on Orlando Magazine's Top 50 in Education List
Rollins College President Brooke Barnett was selected as one of Orlando Magazine’s Top 50 in Education for 2026.
By Jo Marie Hebeler
October 06, 2026
Barnett is focused on preparing students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of adapting to change. Barnett believes the most valuable outcomes of higher education are enduring skills such as critical thinking, communication and problem-solving, which remain relevant even as technical knowledge evolves and job markets shift.
To strengthen those abilities, Barnett advocates for blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences, including internships, research opportunities and community engagement. She said these real-world experiences help students apply their education while developing the adaptability needed for long-term success.
Reflecting the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the workplace, Rollins recently launched a certificate program that enables students to build AI competencies within their chosen fields of study. The transcript-visible credential signals to employers that graduates are prepared to use AI tools in disciplines ranging from business and communications to the arts and social sciences. Barnett said the initiative allows Rollins to respond to workforce demands while staying true to its liberal arts foundation.
“At Rollins, we pride ourselves on educating students who can think critically, communicate, lead and adapt to change,” Barnett said.
Barnett is also guiding the college’s expanding role in Central Florida through the Innovation Triangle, which includes The Alfond Inn, the Rollins Museum of Art and the Rick Goings Institute for Management & Executive Leadership. Currently under construction in Winter Park, the institute is expected to serve as a hub where educators, business leaders, artists, philanthropists and community members can collaborate.
Through Rollins Gateway, the college partners with regional employers to provide internships, research projects and service-learning opportunities that address real-world challenges. Additional programs, including the Pre-Med Observership and Women in Finance initiatives, further connect academic study with professional experience.
Barnett said Rollins’ mission extends beyond career preparation. The college aims to cultivate curious, lifelong learners who are committed to leadership, service and making meaningful contributions to their communities.
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