On the Rise: A Bold Step Forward for Columbia College
Columbia College is in a defining moment, building boldly on its historic mission while charting an ambitious path forward. Under the visionary leadership of President Dr. John H. Dozier, the College is embracing a future that reimagines the liberal arts for a new era: one that is intentional, innovative, and deeply connected to community. With clarity of purpose and a shared commitment to growth, we are positioning Columbia College to thrive for generations to come.
MISSION
Our mission is to prepare every student personally and professionally for success through liberal arts and professional programs emphasizing service, social justice, and leadership development.
OUR NEW VISION
The Columbia College of the future is a model of intentional liberal arts education, a champion of inquiry-based and experiential learning, and a catalyst for community transformation.
Our academic approach will redefine what it means to be a liberal arts college—moving beyond knowledge acquisition to foster critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and collaborative inquiry. Columbia College graduates will not only be prepared for their first job, but for the challenges and opportunities of a future we can’t yet predict.
We envision a college that works hand-in-hand with the residents of our surrounding community and beyond to dismantle the barriers that undermine health and opportunity. Through deep and reciprocal community engagement, our faculty, staff, and students will help confront the social determinants of health that have made this one of the most medically vulnerable zip codes in the country.
Guided by this vision, we will make bold, strategic investments in three areas of growth and impact:
- Allied Health Sciences to meet critical workforce shortages and improve health outcomes;
- Education Innovation to ensure every child has access to excellent teachers and every educator is equipped to thrive; and
- Visual and Performing Arts and Design to prepare students for careers that blend artistic expression, design thinking, and creative problem-solving across industries.
Columbia College will not be all things to all people—but for those who seek to lead with purpose and serve with impact, we will be essential.
OUR NEW STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
“On the Rise” is a plan for growth and impact. It specifically articulates how we will grow enrollment and net revenue over the next five years through the impact we have on our students' learning, growth, and success.
The following six STRATEGIC PRIORITIES will guide our growth strategy:
- IMPROVE THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Focus on creating supportive, engaging, and inclusive environments that foster academic and personal growth.
- MODERNIZE FACILITIES AND ELEVATE THE CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT
Upgrade and expand physical infrastructure to support cutting-edge learning and a vibrant campus life.
- ADVANCE ACADEMIC INNOVATION THROUGH CURRICULUM, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & FACULTY EXCELLENCE
Elevate Columbia College’s academic distinction by enhancing curriculum design, expanding program offerings, and fostering faculty excellence.
- EXPAND AND ENHANCE STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Expand academic and athletic offerings to support student enrollment and campus growth.
- OPTIMIZE THE COLLEGE FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Enhance our human resources and streamline administrative systems and processes by leveraging technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness in all administrative functions.
- IMPROVE FINANCIAL STRENGTH & SUSTAINABILITY
Expand philanthropic support, diversify revenue streams, and strengthen financial resilience to ensure the long-term sustainability of Columbia College.
