As institutions encounter an increase in administrative and legal opposition, Rollins has established a new position of authority to navigate the changes: introducing the Vice President for External Relations and General Counsel.
The job serves two purposes: supervising Rollins’ legal proceedings and making connections with administration and community partners stronger, with no need to bring along more cabinet members.
President Brooke Barnett said the resolution was determined by the increased weight of facing institutions all over the country.
“The landscape of higher education is becoming increasingly complex,” Barnett said. “Colleges across the country are facing growing legal, regulatory, and political pressures.”
Barnett said transforming authorization rules, government regulation, and more observation from external associations have altered how universities and colleges take a stand. Problems that used to be resolved primarily as education or directorial content now typically involve comprehensive planning and legal advisory.
Consequently, Barnett believed that it would be in Rollins’ best interest to have a head with legal knowledge at the cabinet level.
“I felt it was essential to have someone with deep legal expertise on the Cabinet,” Barnett said, narrating the importance of a figure who can give instant support in both Rollins’ connections with community partners and government and legal problems.
This new role merges duties for foreign affairs and legal counsel. Barnett said the settlement to put together two of the responsibilities was deliberate, by giving the college the chance to develop leadership roles without having to grow the size of the cabinet.
At first, the role will primarily focus on setting up Rollins legal framework.
“At first she will focus more on the general counsel side of the role,” Barnett said, additionally development of infrastructures, making a successful workplace, and growing legal dimensions over Rollins.
A legal board looks over the institution’s legal standpoint, and in higher education that could result in problems such as staff, students, campus safety regulations, and contracts. Barnett said legal boards help recognize legal trouble and push challenging situations, inviting external authority when needed.
The chosen candidate that Rollins selected, Antoinette J. Marbray, has tremendous experience apart from just traditional legal duties. The new vice president earned her JD from Duke University, as well as her master’s in educational psychology from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. She is also a registered Florida Bar member.
Before Rollins, Marbray was Vice President for Legal Affairs and Government Relations at Stevenson University in Maryland, where she took part in creating the very first domestic legal affairs. Barnett said both her higher education and legal background made her ideal for this recent development at Rollins.
“We were so lucky to find someone who has the skills and experience that we need,” Barnett said.
With past legal affairs, the job will aim at building up Rollins’ connections with outside partners in Winter Park, central Florida, and across all of Florida.
“We want to be good neighbors in Winter Park, Central Florida and the state of Florida and create positive relationships to benefit our students and help us deliver on our mission,” Barnett said.
The employment will fortify Rollins’ connections with outside partners and aid the institution to steer changes in higher education. Barnett said the title will eventually help with successful functioning and student engagement.
“This role is part of being an effective and well-run organization so that we can deliver on our mission for our students and help ensure a stellar student experience,” she said.
The new title replicates Rollins’ attempt to steer growing legal and institutional challenges, such as building connections outside of campus. As the role grows, Barnett will implement it in her wider plan to aid Rollins and increase the academic experience.
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