A legal scholar, Snyder was the first woman to serve as the Case Western's president.

Earlier in her career, she served as provost of Ohio State University.

[4] Following the announcement that Gordon Gee would retire as President of the Ohio State University effective July 1, 2013, speculation arose that Snyder, the former Provost and Executive Vice President of Ohio State, could succeed Gee.

In response, Snyder said, "I am proud to be president of Case Western Reserve and intend to continue in this role for many years to come.

"[5] In 2011, Cleveland.com reported Barbara R. Snyder's total compensation for the year of 2009 was $778,874.