Columbia College Chicago Executive and Leadership Team

Shantele Bolton, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Columbia College Chicago, directs the overarching vision for this private institution specializing in arts and media disciplines. Bolton architects long-term academic growth while aligning institutional resources with the evolving needs of creative industries. By collaborating with the Board of Trustees, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures fiscal health and academic integrity across all degree programs. Shantele Bolton drives strategic initiatives that enhance the college's reputation within the competitive Illinois higher education market. Overseeing faculty development and student success metrics, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards for artistic instruction. This leadership role involves navigating complex administrative challenges to sustain the mission of the college. Through consistent engagement with stakeholders, Bolton secures the future of the institution, ensuring that the college remains a premier destination for aspiring artists and media professionals seeking rigorous, industry-relevant training.

Jerry Tarrer, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Columbia College Chicago, oversees the daily business operations and administrative functions of the institution. Tarrer manages the financial and physical assets required to sustain a private college specializing in arts and media. By optimizing facility usage and resource allocation, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that the campus environment supports creative learning. Jerry Tarrer directs the administrative teams responsible for campus safety, human resources, and auxiliary services. This leadership role involves balancing the budget to support academic programs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. By streamlining operational workflows, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer enhances the efficiency of the college's administrative support systems. Tarrer collaborates with other executive leaders to implement policies that promote a productive and safe environment for students and staff, ultimately supporting the long-term viability of the institution.

Jacqueline Rezak, the President, Fashion Advisory Board at Columbia College Chicago, leads industry engagement efforts specifically for the fashion design and merchandising programs. Rezak connects the academic curriculum with current professional standards in the global fashion industry. By facilitating partnerships with industry leaders, the President, Fashion Advisory Board ensures that students gain exposure to real-world market dynamics and career opportunities. Jacqueline Rezak architects mentorship programs that bridge the gap between classroom instruction and professional practice. This leadership role involves advising faculty on industry trends to keep the fashion curriculum relevant and competitive. By organizing networking events and industry showcases, the President, Fashion Advisory Board enhances the visibility of the college's fashion programs. Rezak drives initiatives that provide students with practical experience, ensuring that graduates possess the skills necessary to succeed in the fast-paced fashion sector while maintaining the high academic standards of the college.

Paul Chavez, the President at Columbia College Chicago, focuses on the advancement of specific academic initiatives within the arts and media departments. Chavez directs the development of specialized programs that cater to the evolving demands of the creative economy. By fostering relationships with external partners, the President expands the reach of the college's educational offerings. Paul Chavez oversees the implementation of innovative teaching methodologies that emphasize hands-on learning and professional skill acquisition. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to ensure that academic programs remain aligned with the college's mission of excellence. By promoting a culture of creativity and critical thinking, the President supports the growth of the student body and the faculty. Chavez monitors the success of these academic initiatives, ensuring that the college continues to provide high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers in the arts and media industries.

Paula Hambrick, the President at Columbia College Chicago, manages the strategic expansion of community outreach and public engagement programs. Hambrick architects partnerships with local and regional organizations to increase the college's impact within the arts and media sectors. By leading public-facing initiatives, the President enhances the college's presence and reputation in the broader community. Paula Hambrick coordinates with internal stakeholders to develop programs that promote diversity and inclusion in the arts. This leadership role involves overseeing the execution of events and projects that showcase student work to the public. By driving community-based projects, the President ensures that the college remains an active participant in the cultural life of the region. Hambrick monitors the effectiveness of these outreach efforts, ensuring that they align with the college's mission and contribute to the overall success and visibility of the institution.

Ron Aderhold, the Chief Information Officer at Columbia College Chicago, manages the digital infrastructure supporting arts and media education. Aderhold designs secure network architectures that facilitate high-bandwidth creative workflows for students and faculty. By modernizing campus technology, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless access to specialized software and digital resources essential for modern media production. Ron Aderhold coordinates with academic departments to integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum, ensuring that the college maintains a competitive edge in technical training. Overseeing cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data while supporting the operational needs of the campus. This role involves optimizing IT service delivery to enhance the overall user experience for the entire college community. Through strategic investments in hardware and software, Aderhold drives digital transformation, ensuring that the technological environment effectively supports the creative mission of the institution across all regional operations.

Adriel Hilton, the Vice President, Institutional Strategy & Chief of Staff at Columbia College Chicago, executes high-level planning to advance the college's mission. Hilton coordinates cross-departmental efforts to ensure that institutional goals align with the strategic vision for arts and media education. By managing the office of the President, the Vice President, Institutional Strategy & Chief of Staff facilitates communication between leadership and the broader campus community. Adriel Hilton drives data-informed decision-making processes that improve operational efficiency and academic outcomes. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to identify growth opportunities for the college within the Illinois region. By fostering collaboration among administrative units, the Vice President, Institutional Strategy & Chief of Staff ensures that resources support the core educational objectives. Hilton monitors progress on key performance indicators, providing the necessary oversight to maintain institutional excellence and long-term sustainability in a dynamic higher education environment.