Dear Columbia College Chicago Community,
It is a profound honor to serve as the eleventh President of Columbia College Chicago. From my first day on campus, I have been struck by the creativity, resilience, and spirit that flow through this institution. Columbia is a place where artists, innovators, and leaders are nurtured, and where the power of creativity is celebrated as a force for personal transformation and social change.
Columbia College Chicago has been a vital part of the South Loop for more than one hundred and thirty years. Our students, faculty, and alumni have shaped the cultural identity of Chicago and beyond through storytelling, performance, media, design, music, and the arts. That legacy inspires me every day. Yet, while we celebrate our history, we are equally committed to shaping a future that ensures Columbia continues to thrive as a college for creatives.
We are entering an exciting new era through Renaissance Rising, our comprehensive strategic plan which is underway. This plan reflects the voices of our community and outlines four institutional priorities. We will stabilize enrollment by expanding access and building stronger pathways for Chicago students and more. We will elevate the Columbia brand so that our academic excellence and creative impact are recognized nationally and internationally. We will strengthen philanthropy by engaging alumni, civic partners, and philanthropic leaders in ways that support student success. We will enhance operations to ensure efficiency, transparency, and a strong foundation for long term sustainability.
These priorities are not simply administrative goals. They are deeply tied to our mission of empowering students to pursue their passions, advancing access across higher education, and strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of our city. Columbia’s work touches not only the lives of our students but also the communities in which they create, perform, and serve.
As I look ahead, I am committed to ensuring that every member of our community feels valued, supported, and inspired. Columbia College Chicago will continue to be a place where students from every background can imagine and achieve a future in which their creativity makes a difference. I believe strongly that our faculty and staff play a central role in fostering that environment, and I am grateful for the dedication and care they bring to their work each day.
The road ahead is bold, but it is also full of promise. Together, we can write the next chapter of Columbia College Chicago’s story, one defined by innovation, collaboration, and impact. I invite you to join me in this shared journey of transformation and renewal. Let us move forward with confidence, knowing that the best is yet to come.
With gratitude and determination,
Shantay N. Bolton, Ph.D.
President and CEO
In an interview with the "Chicago Tribune," President Bolton shares her commitment to financial stability with equal parts pragmatism and optimism. (November 15, 2025)
CHICAGO NEWSROOM 2.0 ON CAN TV
President Bolton interviews with co-host Dr. Suzet McKinney to discuss her vision for the future of Columbia and how she plans to make an impact on students. (September 9, 2025)
Host Jon Hansen talks with President Bolton about her new role as President and CEO of Columbia College Chicago. (August 26, 2025)
Columbia’s new president draws standing ovation after outlining her vision (August 20, 2025)
Crain's Business Chicago Who's Who in Education 2026
W.E.B. DuBois Higher Education Award 2025
For more than 135 years, Columbia College Chicago’s principal commitment has been to provide a comprehensive educational opportunity in media arts, technology, and business.
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President Shantay N. Bolton has set forth a vision for strategic priorities which are focused on strengthening the institution today while building a sustainable and vibrant future.
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The Columbia College Chicago Board of Trustees acts as the governing body for the college and works closely with the Office of the President to advance the college’s highest priorities.
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Explore the past Columbia presidents all the way back to it's founding as the Columbia School of Oratory in 1890, up until the present day.
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