McAuliffe comes from Georgetown University, where she has been dean of the college of arts and sciences since 1999. She is also an expert in Islamic studies.
McAuliffe was appointed to her new position Friday. She will replace Bryn Mawr President Nancy Vickers, who announced last year that she would step down in June. Vickers has led the college for 11 years.
McAuliffe holds an undergraduate degree in philosophy and classics from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and a doctorate in Islamic studies from the University of Toronto.
