More than 400 members of the Columbia College community gathered in person or virtually for the 2025 State of the College Address on Thursday, Jan. 23, in Launer Auditorium.
Following a warm welcome from the Spirit Squad and an inspiring performance by the Jane Froman Singers, President Dr. David Russell highlighted successes and shared his vision for the college going forward.
Click here to access a full recording of the address.
The theme of “All In For CC” was on full display throughout the hour-long showcase, capped by the announcement of a transformational $1.5 million gift in support of exceptional educational experiences.
“This motto of ‘All In For CC’ represents students who commit themselves to improving their lives through education and making the college community the best it can be,” Russell said. “It represents faculty and staff who devote themselves to carrying out the mission of this great institution every day. It represents alumni and friends worldwide who collectively help form the fabric of Columbia College’s past, present and future.”
Russell began his 40-minute speech by emphasizing the institution’s 174-year-old mission of improving students’ lives through quality education.
“Our ability to adapt to changing conditions, innovate and stay true to our mission has been at the core of everything we have accomplished to this point,” Russell said. “Taken together, the mission, vision and principles of the college continue to guide our decisions about the future direction of the college.”
Russell detailed many recent accomplishments by the vast CC community, including on main campus in Columbia, Missouri; at locations across the country; and in the Online Program.
Over the past three years, Columbia College has secured a 10-year renewal of its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, launched more than 20 new academic programs, experienced unprecedented growth in its Honors Program, and been consistently recognized as one of the top five military-friendly institutions in the country.
Russell lauded a bevy of student achievements within the college’s three academic schools – the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Public Service – as well as the Cougar Athletics Department, which has earned seven consecutive American Midwest Conference Presidents’ Cups.
He shared a video featuring student stories from the Class of 2024 (watch in the player below).
To conclude his address, Russell announced the college recently received a $1.49 million estate gift from Billie Jo Wanink, Christian College Class of 1965. Wanink, who passed away last year, built an illustrious career in interior design and contract furnishing, owning her own successful business.
In a display of lifelong affinity to CC, she served on the college’s Board of Trustees and the Columbia College Alumni Association Advisory Council.
“I can most certainly say that Ms. Billie Jo Wanink treasured the relationships she built and the experiences she enjoyed at CC,” Russell said, leading a round of applause in her memory.
In order to position Columbia College for future generations of impacting lives through education, Russell also announced the launch of the “Fund for the Future.”
Following Wanink’s example, the Fund for the Future is a strategic initiative inviting alumni and friends to invest in developing the students of today into the leaders of tomorrow.
The goal will be to secure $1 million in new funding during the next 18 months ahead of the college’s 175th anniversary in 2026.
“Our Advancement staff and I will be calling upon many who love CC in the days ahead to ask for support,” Russell said. “I hope you will consider being part of our team of supporters for this vital effort.”
On behalf of Board Chair Dale Coe Simons ’65, Trustee Lynne Stuver Baker ’64 rounded out the event with a message of support to faculty and staff.
“Changes have affected all of us in one way or another as we navigate the evolving landscape of higher education,” Stuver Baker said. “You have demonstrated the courage to change, and as a result, Columbia College is on a trajectory for success.”
Senior Emily Cote, an Elementary Education major from Holts Summit, Missouri, represented CC’s diverse student body by offering brief remarks about her experiences at the college.
“I am proud to be ‘All In For CC,’ and that is because so many people here at Columbia College have been all in for me,” Cote said.
