"Carol Christ has been a leading figure at one of the nation's premier teaching and research institutions," said Shelly Lazarus, chair of the Smith College Board of Trustees, in a press release. "Her obvious strengths across the board, her experience and dedication, make her an ideal choice for an institution committed to excellence and innovation in liberal arts education."
Smith has scheduled a variety of events during the weekend, including musical events, poet Adrienne Rich will do a reading and there will be a student-directed performance of Henrik Ibsen's "Enemy of the People." An alumnae panel on "Private College with a Public Conscience" includes participants such as writer and activist Gloria Steinem and journalist Molly Ivans.
Christ's early priorities include coordinating the planning for a substantial new $100 million science complex, reviewing Smith's unique residential system and dealing with the rising costs of tuition and other college-related expenses.