Presidential Messages
Messages to the Columbia College Chicago community from President Dr. Shantay N. Bolton
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
Past Messages
- 10/1/25: Letter from Dr. Bolton
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 - 9/15/25: General Counsel Appointment Announcement
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to share that Adam S. Weiss has been appointed as Interim Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel for Columbia College Chicago.
Adam has served the College with distinction for more than a decade in the Office of the General Counsel, most recently as Associate General Counsel. In that role, he has provided legal and compliance guidance across a wide spectrum of issues, including contract negotiations, regulatory matters, and student and employee support. His ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity and care has made him a trusted advisor to colleagues across the College.
Adam earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vanderbilt University Law School, where he was recognized as an Honors Scholar and volunteered in the Criminal Law Clinic. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society and named to the Dean’s List. His academic achievements, combined with his extensive professional experience, have shaped him into an attorney of both skill and integrity.
What sets Adam apart is not only his expertise, but also his unwavering commitment to Columbia’s mission and community. He has consistently demonstrated integrity, judgment, and a deep understanding of the needs of our students, faculty, and staff.
Adam’s appointment is a testament to the strength of our community and the talent we cultivate within it. Please join me in congratulating Adam on this well-deserved appointment and in supporting him as he assumes this critical responsibility.
Sincerely,
Shantay N. Bolton, Ph.D.
President and CEO - 9/2/25: Welcome to the Fall Semester
Dear Columbia College Chicago Students, Faculty and Staff,
Whether you’re returning after the summer or stepping onto campus for the very first time—welcome. I’m incredibly honored to greet you not only as your new president but as a fellow newcomer, ready to begin this exciting chapter with you. I'm excited to see how you will learn, grow, and transform throughout this semester and your time at Columbia. Together, let's make this the best year yet at Columbia!
Please take a moment to watch the video message, and I look forward to seeing you around campus this fall.
Warmly,
Shantay N. Bolton, Ph.D.
President and CEO - 9/1/25: Labor Day
Dear Columbia College Chicago Faculty and Staff,
As we celebrate Labor Day, I want to extend my gratitude and best wishes to each of you. I hope today offers you a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with your loved ones.
Tomorrow, we welcome students back to campus, and with them comes the energy, creativity, and promise of a new academic year. It’s your dedication—in the classroom, in our studios, and across offices and support services—that makes Columbia such a remarkable community.
Your commitment not only shapes the student experience but also strengthens the bonds that make this institution thrive. I hope this holiday leaves you renewed for the exciting year ahead.
Thank you for the passion, talent, and care you bring to Columbia every day.
Happy Labor Day!
Warmly,
Shantay N. Bolton, Ph.D.
President and CEO - 8/28/25: Convocation Reminder
Dear Columbia College Chicago colleagues,
As a reminder, on August 29, 2025, we will welcome our newest class — the Class of 2029 — at New Student Convocation. I am asking you to join me, so our students see from day one that our faculty and staff are the heart of Columbia College Chicago. Your presence signals that scholarship, mentorship, and creative excellence define who we are. Please stand with me to cheer them on — there will be a special section for faculty and staff — and help set the tone for a year of learning, discovery, and growth.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
- Time: 12:00 p.m.
- Location: Student Center Parking Lot
Thank you for showing our newest students what it means to be part of Columbia. I look forward to being with you on Friday.
With gratitude,
Shantay N. Bolton, Ph.D.
President and CEO - 8/26/25: Convocation Invitation
Dear Columbia College Chicago colleagues,
As we prepare to welcome the Class of 2029 at this year’s Freshmen Convocation, I want to thank you for the dedication and commitment you show every day to our students. The work of our faculty and staff is vital to their success — from the first time they set foot on campus through the moment they cross the graduation stage.
I am full of gratitude for your warm welcome at last week’s all-faculty meeting and for stepping up in this moment to make this such an important year for us as an institution — and for our scholars, especially the freshmen who are beginning their journey with us.
On August 29, 2025, we will welcome our newest class — the Class of 2029 — at Freshmen Convocation. I am asking you to join me, so our students see from day one that our faculty and staff are the heart of Columbia College Chicago. Your presence signals that scholarship, mentorship, and creative excellence define who we are.
Convocation is more than a ceremony. It is our first community classroom. When students look out and see you in attendance, they feel a powerful sense of belonging and possibility. Please stand with me to cheer them on — there will be a special section for faculty and staff — and help set the tone for a year of learning, discovery, and growth.
Event Details
Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Student Center Parking Lot
Thank you for showing our newest students what it means to be part of Columbia. I look forward to being with you on Friday.
With gratitude,
Shantay N. Bolton, Ph.D.
President and CEO - 7/4/25: Independence Day Message
Dear Columbia College Chicago Community,
Today, as we celebrate the Fourth of July, I want to take a moment to wish all of our students, faculty, and staff a joyful and safe Independence Day.
This holiday invites us to reflect on the ideals that have shaped our country: freedom, creativity, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. These values are deeply embedded in our mission at Columbia, where artistic expression, critical thinking, and innovation guide our work and inspire our community.
As you enjoy Chicago’s many festivities this weekend, I hope you feel proud of the creativity and spirit that define Columbia College.
Two special shoutouts about the NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Alumnus Aaron Nelson '12 is singing the National Anthem to kick off the event on Saturday. Also, in partnership with NASCAR, our School of Fashion students and alumni will showcase racing-inspired looks created from recycled merchandise and gear. Race attendees with access can join us at 4:45 p.m. by Buckingham Fountain for a fashion show celebrating sustainability and creativity. The show will also be live streamed on the School of Fashion's Instagram account.
Whether you spend the day with family and friends, participating in local events, or enjoying a quiet moment of rest, I hope it brings you joy and renewed inspiration.
Thank you for everything you bring to our vibrant community. I wish you a meaningful and happy Fourth of July.
Warmly,
Shantay N. Bolton, Ph.D.
President and CEO - 7/1/25: Welcome from Dr. Bolton
Dear Columbia College Chicago Students, Faculty and Staff,
Today marks the beginning of my tenure as President, a moment I embrace with immense pride, deep humility, and steadfast belief in the enduring impact and potential of Columbia College Chicago.
Columbia is a college like no other. It is a vibrant community where artists, storytellers, designers, performers, scholars, and innovators converge to create and inspire the world. Behind every great institution is a story of adaptation, a history of learning to pivot with shared purpose and rising boldly to meet defining moments. Creativity has always demanded courage, and like the communities we serve, Columbia is no stranger to reimagining what is possible.
As we look ahead, our work will be grounded in four institutional priorities:
Enrollment
We will modernize how we recruit, support, and retain students. This will ensure more students thrive at Columbia and in their creative careers.
Brand Elevation
We will tell our story with clarity and pride, reinforcing our reputation as a national leader in arts, media, and creative education.
Philanthropy
We will strengthen our partnerships with alumni, donors, and industry to expand opportunities for every student.
Fiscal Sustainability
We will lead with discipline, transparency, and alignment, investing in what matters and positioning Columbia for long-term strength.
We are clear-eyed about the realities before us, and these are not abstract aspirations. They are bold, concrete, and measurable commitments. Like many institutions of our kind, Columbia is navigating serious headwinds, from shifting enrollment trends to evolving financial demands. As part of our path forward, we will implement organizational restructuring to streamline operations, eliminate redundancy, and align our talent and resources more strategically. This will enable data-informed decisions and faster, more adaptive responses to the evolving needs of our institution.
WWe recognize there may be more difficult decisions ahead. Whatever comes, we will face it together with transparency, compassion, and collective resolve. Yet I believe challenges can be catalysts, and I know we are ready. We have what we need: talent, purpose, history, and heart. And when we come together with focus and determination, there is nothing this community cannot achieve.
WI am excited and inspired by the possibilities we will pursue together. I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Jerry Tarrer for his steady stewardship of the college over the past year as Interim President. His leadership during a time of transition helped Columbia remain focused and resilient.
WIn the weeks and months ahead, I will be listening intentionally and often. I want to hear what inspires you about Columbia, what you envision for its future, and how we can build it together. I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I have already received. I am energized. I am ready. And I believe wholeheartedly in the promise of what we can achieve together.
WLet us begin this journey with boldness, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to Columbia’s bright future. I look forward to meeting each of you and building what comes next together.
With gratitude and resolve,
Shantay N. Bolton, Ph.D.
President and CEO