Columbia College Chicago Executive and Leadership Team

Shantele Bolton, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Columbia College Chicago, directs the overarching vision and academic mission of the institution. By aligning arts and media curricula with evolving industry standards, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the college maintains a competitive edge in higher education. Bolton oversees the integration of creative disciplines with practical career preparation, fostering an environment where students thrive. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to secure long-term financial health and institutional growth. Through the implementation of strategic initiatives, Bolton drives the expansion of academic programs across the Midwest and beyond. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for faculty excellence and student outcomes. Shantele Bolton secures the future of the college by championing innovation in arts education, ensuring that the institution remains a premier destination for aspiring creative professionals seeking high-impact learning experiences.

Jerry Tarrer, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Columbia College Chicago, manages the financial and physical resources required to sustain a premier arts institution. By overseeing facilities management, budget allocation, and administrative services, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ensures that the campus environment supports creative production and academic success. Tarrer drives fiscal responsibility by optimizing operational expenditures and identifying new revenue streams. This leadership role involves working closely with the Board to maintain the financial stability of the college. Through the implementation of efficient business processes, Tarrer supports the daily operations of all academic departments. Jerry Tarrer directs the maintenance and development of campus infrastructure, ensuring that students have access to state-of-the-art studios and learning spaces. By balancing the needs of the institution with available resources, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer secures the operational foundation necessary for long-term growth and academic excellence.

Jacqueline Rezak, the President, Fashion Advisory Board at Columbia College Chicago, directs the industry engagement and curriculum relevance for the fashion department. By connecting students with professional networks and market opportunities, the President, Fashion Advisory Board ensures that the fashion program remains aligned with current industry standards. Rezak facilitates partnerships with leading designers and retailers, providing students with real-world experience and career pathways. This leadership role involves curating advisory sessions that inform the development of new courses and creative projects. Through the promotion of student work to external audiences, Rezak drives the visibility of the fashion program within the broader creative community. Jacqueline Rezak fosters an environment where students gain practical skills and professional insights, preparing graduates for success in the competitive fashion industry. By bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice, the President, Fashion Advisory Board enhances the overall value and impact of the college's fashion education initiatives.

Paul Chavez, the President at Columbia College Chicago, leads specific academic initiatives focused on interdisciplinary collaboration within the arts. By overseeing the development of cross-departmental projects, the President ensures that students benefit from a holistic approach to creative education. Chavez drives the integration of new media technologies into traditional arts curricula, expanding the scope of student learning. This leadership role involves managing faculty development programs that encourage innovative teaching methods. Through the cultivation of external partnerships, Chavez supports the expansion of the college's influence in the regional arts community. Paul Chavez directs the assessment of academic programs to ensure high standards of quality and student engagement. By fostering a culture of creativity and critical thinking, the President supports the college's mission of preparing students for diverse careers in the arts. Chavez maintains a focus on student-centered learning, ensuring that every academic initiative contributes to the overall success and professional readiness of the student body.

Robert Barnard, the President at Columbia College Chicago, manages the strategic development of specialized media programs and industry-aligned training. By overseeing the curriculum design for film and digital media, the President ensures that students gain the technical proficiency required for modern media production. Barnard drives the acquisition of industry-standard equipment and software, providing students with a professional-grade learning environment. This leadership role involves coordinating with media industry leaders to create internship and mentorship opportunities. Through the implementation of rigorous production standards, Barnard supports the development of high-quality student portfolios. Robert Barnard directs the expansion of media-focused research initiatives, contributing to the college's reputation as a leader in arts education. By fostering a collaborative atmosphere among students and faculty, the President ensures that the media programs remain dynamic and responsive to technological advancements. Barnard secures the future of the media department by maintaining strong ties with professional networks and industry partners.

Joy Jones, the President, Connections (Columbia) at Columbia College Chicago, architects the alumni and community engagement strategies that sustain the college's professional network. By managing relationships with graduates and industry partners, the President, Connections (Columbia) ensures that the college maintains a vibrant and supportive ecosystem for students and alumni alike. Jones drives the development of networking events and career development workshops that facilitate professional growth. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to showcase student achievements and alumni success stories. Through the cultivation of long-term partnerships, Jones supports the college's mission of fostering lifelong learning and professional advancement. Joy Jones directs the outreach efforts that connect the college with the broader creative community, enhancing the institution's visibility and influence. By building strong connections between the classroom and the professional world, the President, Connections (Columbia) ensures that students have access to the resources and networks necessary for long-term career success.

Paula Hambrick, the President at Columbia College Chicago, oversees the strategic growth of performing arts programs and student performance initiatives. By managing the production schedules and artistic direction of campus performances, the President ensures that students receive comprehensive training in the performing arts. Hambrick drives the development of collaborative projects that bring together students from various disciplines, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to performance. This leadership role involves coordinating with faculty to maintain high standards of artistic excellence and technical skill. Through the promotion of student performances to the public, Hambrick enhances the college's presence in the regional arts scene. Paula Hambrick directs the assessment of performing arts curricula to ensure alignment with industry expectations and student goals. By fostering a supportive and challenging environment, the President supports the college's mission of preparing students for successful careers in the performing arts, ensuring that every performance serves as a platform for professional development.

Ronald Aderhold, the Chief Information Officer at Columbia College Chicago, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support a modern arts and media curriculum. By managing complex network systems and data security protocols, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to creative software and collaborative tools for the entire campus community. Aderhold drives the digital transformation of administrative processes, increasing operational efficiency across all departments. This leadership role requires constant coordination with academic leaders to integrate emerging technologies into the classroom environment. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, Aderhold supports the college's mission of providing cutting-edge resources to students. Ronald Aderhold optimizes the technological landscape to facilitate research and creative production, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of digital innovation. By maintaining robust cybersecurity measures, the Chief Information Officer protects the intellectual property and sensitive data of the college, fostering a secure environment for academic exploration.

Adriel Hilton, the Vice President, Institutional Strategy & Chief of Staff at Columbia College Chicago, executes the long-term planning and administrative alignment of the college. By coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, the Vice President, Institutional Strategy & Chief of Staff ensures that all institutional goals support the core mission of arts and media education. Hilton manages the flow of information between the executive office and the broader campus community, facilitating transparent communication and strategic decision-making. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to refine the college's competitive position within the higher education sector. Through the development of comprehensive strategic frameworks, Hilton drives institutional progress and operational excellence. Adriel Hilton supports the President by managing high-priority projects that enhance the college's reputation and academic reach. By fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the Vice President, Institutional Strategy & Chief of Staff ensures that the institution remains agile and responsive to the changing needs of students and the creative industries.