Deborah-Spar

Debora Spar, former president of Barnard College, has stepped down as President and CEO of Lincoln Center after just over a year in the position.

While each Barnard president has had her own unique vision for the college, Sian Beilock’s plan, which she outlined at her inauguration last Friday, signals a return to traditional Barnard values that were not a primary focus during the administration of former president Debora Spar.

Today, members of the Barnard class of 2017 received a parcel of unfortunate news from Barnard Dean Avis Hinkson at Barnard Commencement rehearsal: Due to unavoidable scheduling conflicts, former President Debora Spar can no longer attend our graduation ceremony.

Former President Debora Spar will not be attending the Barnard Commencement ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, Dean of the College Avis Hinkson told the class of 2017 at a graduation rehearsal Monday.

Barnard President Debora Spar made the surprising announcement in November that she would resign from her position in March to become CEO and president of Lincoln Center. Shortly after, Chief Operating Officer Rob Goldberg was appointed as interim president as the college searches for Spar’s permanent replacement.

In his new role as interim president, Rob Goldberg—who will also retain his position as chief operating officer—sent an introductory email to the Barnard community on Tuesday.

Barnard President Debora Spar sent a farewell email to the Barnard community on Saturday afternoon following her final meeting with the board of trustees.

Barnard’s board of trustees voted to accept the Presidential Task Force to Examine Divestment’s recommendation to divest from companies that deny climate change, as well as companies that mine coal and tar sands, Barnard President Debora Spar announced in an email on Saturday.