Olin College President Steps Down Amid Financial Strain, Latest in String of Higher Ed Leadership Exits

Dr. Gilda Barabino, president of Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts, will leave her position at the end of the academic year, adding to the growing list of higher education leadership departures. The announcement comes as the private institution grapples with persistent financial challenges, including annual operating deficits of $4 million. Barabino, who made history in 2020 as the college's first Black woman president and second president overall, brought distinguished leadership to the science and engineering institution. During her tenure, she championed diversity initiatives for both faculty and students, working to address historical representation gaps at the college. However, financial difficulties continued to plague the institution under her leadership.