The college’s next President, Shantay Bolton, got a first look at the campus she will soon lead, visiting the Student Center and other academic buildings at the end of spring break. Bolton, who will officially assume the role on July 1, is making history as the first woman in nearly 90 years and the first woman of color to lead the 135-year old institution.
During her visit to the Student Center on Friday, March 28, Bolton toured studio and student spaces and met with staff who were working over the break. She expressed excitement about seeing these spaces come to life when students return.
“What I’m most excited for is seeing how these spaces are activated when our students are back on campus and being able to interact and engage with them as they’re learning new material,” Bolton said. “But also as we think about the creation of what their careers will look like happening on our campus real time and just being a part of supporting that.”
Interim President and CEO Jerry Tarrer led Bolton on the tour of campus. Tarrer took over last summer when former President and CEO Kwang-Wu Kim stepped down after 13 years.
Bolton was the executive vice president and chief business officer at Georgia Tech from 2023 until she stepped down in early March of this year.
In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle when the Board of Trustees announced her appointment, Bolton pledged to be transparent as she leads the college through a “healing process” following staff and faculty layoffs and a sweeping overhaul of academic programs.
Columbia has a $17 million deficit and has seen enrollment continue to decline since the pandemic.
Copy edited by Manuel Nocera
