Columbia College Chicago made an exciting announcement Monday with the appointment of Shantay N. Bolton as the new president of the institution. This milestone marks a significant moment in the college’s history as Bolton will be the first woman of color to take on this esteemed role. Furthermore, she will also be the first woman in nearly 90 years to lead Columbia College. Her appointment takes effect on July 1, 2025, and the college’s board of trustees is confident that her leadership will help guide the school through a period of change and growth.
Bolton comes to Columbia College Chicago with an extensive background in higher education administration, most recently serving as the executive vice president and chief business officer at Georgia Institute of Technology. Her experience managing large-scale operations at Georgia Tech, including overseeing a budget of $3.1 billion and leading the rollout of a new hybrid budget model, makes her uniquely qualified to take on the challenge of steering Columbia through its current fiscal and enrollment difficulties.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for the college. Over the past few years, Columbia has been grappling with a $17 million budget deficit and a decline in student enrollment. In an effort to address these challenges, the school announced in December that it would be cutting 11 undergraduate and graduate programs and eliminating up to 25 faculty positions next academic year. These measures reflect the financial strain that Columbia College has been experiencing, and Bolton’s expertise will likely be crucial in finding sustainable solutions moving forward.
John Holmes, president of the Columbia College board of trustees, expressed confidence in Bolton’s abilities to lead the institution through these turbulent times. He referred to her as a “transformational leader in higher education,” emphasizing that her previous experience managing significant organizational challenges at Georgia Tech makes her the right person to move Columbia College forward. Holmes believes Bolton’s leadership will help the college navigate its current difficulties while positioning it for future success.
Bolton’s background and achievements make her an inspiring figure in the field of higher education. During her time at Georgia Tech, Bolton oversaw more than $500 million in capital projects, including infrastructure and academic developments that shaped the university’s growth. Her ability to manage complex financial systems and lead large teams has earned her recognition in both the St. Louis and Georgia regions, where she was named to Gambit’s “40 Under 40” list and was honored as a member of the “Titan 100.” These accolades reflect her ability to lead with innovation, vision, and financial acumen.
As Columbia College faces its own set of challenges, Bolton is poised to bring her strategic insights and problem-solving capabilities to the table. Her experience working with budgets and capital projects at Georgia Tech will be invaluable as she navigates the college’s current financial concerns. At the same time, Bolton’s passion for education and creativity aligns perfectly with Columbia’s mission to support students in their artistic and academic pursuits. Under her leadership, the college will likely continue to place a strong emphasis on the importance of creative disciplines, which have become increasingly important in today’s rapidly changing job market.
In her statement upon being appointed, Bolton expressed her deep appreciation for Columbia College’s legacy as an educational and cultural anchor in Chicago. She described it as an honor to join Columbia’s community of talented faculty, staff, and students. Recognizing the unique creative culture that the school fosters, Bolton emphasized her commitment to building on that foundation and strengthening connections to industry and the civic community. As creativity is increasingly viewed as one of the most sought-after skills by employers, Bolton plans to ensure that Columbia College continues to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in the creative economy.
Bolton’s appointment also represents a shift toward greater diversity in higher education leadership. As a woman of color, she brings a unique perspective to the role, and her presence as a leader will undoubtedly inspire students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue their dreams in the creative arts and beyond. Her appointment is a testament to the college’s commitment to inclusivity and representation, both of which are essential values in today’s academic landscape.
While the financial and enrollment challenges facing Columbia College are significant, Bolton’s appointment brings a sense of hope and optimism for the future. With her extensive experience, leadership abilities, and vision for the future, she is well-positioned to guide the college through its current difficulties and into a new era of success. In addition to her administrative expertise, Bolton’s passion for education and commitment to fostering creativity will help ensure that Columbia College continues to be a vital institution for years to come.
As the college moves forward under Bolton’s leadership, there will undoubtedly be continued discussions about how to best address the school’s fiscal concerns while maintaining the quality of education that Columbia is known for. However, with her at the helm, there is renewed confidence that the school will not only overcome these challenges but also thrive in an ever-changing educational landscape.
In conclusion, Shantay N. Bolton’s appointment as the new president of Columbia College Chicago represents a historic and exciting moment for the institution. With her proven track record as a transformative leader in higher education, Bolton is poised to guide Columbia through a critical period and build on the school’s legacy as a hub of creativity and innovation. As she takes on this important role, the Columbia community can look forward to a future that embraces both tradition and progress, ensuring that the college remains a vital and dynamic force in the world of higher education.
