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Shantay Bolton installed as Columbia’s first woman of color president
- Mar 6
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 9
By South Loop TV News Team
President and CEO Shantay Bolton was officially sworn in as the first woman of color to lead Columbia College Chicago at her investiture ceremony on Wednesday, March 5.
Bolton took office on Jul 1, 2025 after former President and CEO Kwang-Wu Kim stepped down in 2024. She is the first woman of color to lead the institution and the first female president in 90 years.
Students say that Bolton’s leadership feels personal and authentic and that she has connected with the community by being visible on campus.
The ceremony, which took place at the Student Center, began with Bolton dancing down the center aisle to “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson, followed by several speeches, including one from Bolton’s son, Brandon Phillips.
At the ceremony in the Student Center, Bolton outlined her vision for leadership, which prioritizes bringing the campus community together under the "Renaissance Rising” strategic plan.
Reporter: Hapi Lightfoot
Reporter: Hunter Warner
Camera: Hapi Lightfoot
Camera: Sofia Oyarzún
Nat pack: Michael Ferguson
Web writer: Sydney Richardson
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