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Welcome President Spar!
updated
07.01.08
President Debora L. Spar Tuesday, July 1, marks a historic day for Barnard College. Dr. Debora L. Spar, former professor and senior associate dean at Harvard Business School, begins her tenure as the 11th leader of the College.
We caught up with Spar for a casual chat last week—she was up to her elbows in boxes, getting ready to leave Beantown for the Big Apple.
Q. Thank you for speaking with us. I know you are really swamped.
A. No problem, anything to distract from all the packing. I am leaving tomorrow. Honestly, I look forward to being in my new office and away from all these boxes. This transition has been great, but very long.
Q. How do you feel about starting your new position in the summer? Did it interfere with vacation plans?
A. Actually, I’m very lucky that I’m starting in the summer. I’ll have some quiet time to meet people in a more relaxed manner. And, it’ll be nice to have time to get organized before the students arrive. But I am really looking forward to their return. I can’t wait to meet the students. Vacation this summer is really shuttling the kids and cats between Boston and New York (laughing).
Q. Do you feel like a student yourself, arriving on a new campus? Transferring from Harvard to Barnard?
A. Yes. There is an element of that. My husband and I drove our mini-van packed with all of my clothes to our new apartment. When we did that, we joked that it was like taking a college student back to her dorm! I’m really looking forward to living in New York City and being on campus. I fell in love with Barnard early on in the process and I am delighted about this appointment.
Q. It sounds like you will be very busy—both with work and your new home.
A. Yes. I need to find my way around town and get settled. You know, find a dry cleaner, locate an orthodontist for my kids…and get to know the neighborhood, get to know the campus. Figure out how to find my way around.
Q. How do your kids feel about moving?
A. Well, they are teenagers so it’s a big adjustment for them. They’ll be fine.
Q. You arrive tomorrow? What will you do first?
A. Unpack boxes!
—Maya Dollarhide |
