Introduction to New Leadership
Columbia College Chicago announced Monday that Shantay N. Bolton will take over as president of the art-focused South Loop school.
Bolton, who served as chief business officer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, will be the first woman of color to ever lead Columbia and the first woman in nearly 90 years, the school said in a statement. She begins July 1.
Background and Challenges
She replaces Kwang-Wu Kim, who resigned last year following declining enrollment and a six-week strike. Administrators threatened to lay off hundreds of adjunct staff, saying the cuts were necessary to plug a $38 million deficit. Seventy staffers were laid off in May 2024. In September, the school cut 18 majors that it described as “underperforming.”
Bolton is being brought on to guide the school, which has seen enrollment drop from more than 11,000 in 2010 to less than 7,000 in 2022.
Leadership Experience
At Georgia Tech, Bolton managed a $3.1-billion operation and served as executive vice president of administration and finance, according to a Columbia College statement. She also led the rollout of Georgia Tech’s hybrid budget model and oversaw more than $500 million in recent capital projects.
Vision for the Future
Columbia College Board of Trustees President John M. Holmes said Bolton will bring her “transformational” leadership to the South Loop school.
“The board believes Dr. Bolton is the right leader to propel Columbia forward and to enhance our status as a national and international leader in helping young creatives of all backgrounds launch their careers, and in fueling the creative economy,” Holmes said in the statement.
Awards and Recognition
She was named to Gambit’s “40 under 40” in New Orleans and among the “Titan 100” for both the St. Louis and Georgia regions, and she is a 2024 “Women we admire in Georgia” awardee.
Plans for Columbia College
Bolton said she planned to “build on Columbia’s unique creative culture and strengthen connections to industry and the civic community at a time when creativity is widely viewed by employers as one of the most sought-after skills.”
Conclusion
The appointment of Shantay N. Bolton as the new president of Columbia College Chicago marks a significant milestone in the institution’s history. With her extensive experience in leadership and finance, Bolton is poised to guide the college towards a brighter future, addressing the challenges of declining enrollment and financial deficits while building on the college’s unique creative culture.
FAQs
Q: Who is the new president of Columbia College Chicago?
A: Shantay N. Bolton is the new president of Columbia College Chicago.
Q: When will Bolton begin her tenure as president?
A: Bolton will begin her tenure as president on July 1.
Q: What are Bolton’s plans for Columbia College?
A: Bolton plans to build on Columbia’s unique creative culture and strengthen connections to industry and the civic community.
Q: What challenges is Columbia College currently facing?
A: Columbia College is facing declining enrollment and financial deficits, having cut 18 majors and laid off 70 staffers in recent years.
