Columbia College Inaugurates 19th President Dr. Arquette
Local operators should watch how new leadership impacts the college’s workforce development and regional partnerships.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in People
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Columbia College has officially inaugurated Dr. Toby Arquette as its 19th president. The ceremony arrives as the institution celebrates its 175th anniversary.
Why it matters
The leadership change concludes a search involving over 100 applicants, setting a new trajectory for the 175-year-old institution. For local operators, the college serves as a primary hub for workforce development and talent pipelines.
Columbia College selected Dr. Arquette from a pool of more than 100 applicants to lead an institution that now serves over 100,000 alumni. The school marks its 175th anniversary this year, a significant jump from its first graduating class of five students in 1851.
The players
Dr. Toby Arquette
The 19th president of Columbia College who transitioned from a leadership role at St. Ambrose University.
Columbia College
A higher education institution in Columbia with a 175-year history and a network of over 100,000 alumni.
The details
To prepare for the transition, Dr. Arquette conducted a summer tour across college locations to meet with faculty, students, and alumni. This engagement strategy aims to align the new administration with existing institutional culture as the school enters its 68th annual homecoming week. The selection process prioritized experience and organizational fit for a campus deeply embedded in the local Columbia economy.
Timeline
1851: The school saw its first graduating class of five students.
March 2026: Dr. Arquette officially began his term as president.
October 9, 2026: The formal inauguration ceremony took place.
Market Landscape
The inauguration of Dr. Arquette aligns with the institution's 175th anniversary of its 1851 founding. This milestone highlights the long-term stability and regional impact of the college relative to newer educational competitors.
Operators in Columbia should monitor how the new administration influences workforce training and recruitment partnerships with the college. Local businesses should track upcoming announcements from the president regarding institutional priorities and potential capital investments.
The takeaway
Dr. Arquette assumes leadership during a critical anniversary year, signaling a bridge between the school's legacy and future operations. Stakeholders should monitor the college's upcoming strategic plan for clues on how the school will engage with the regional business community.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRCG.
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