Columbia College Chair of the Board of Trustees Dale Simons ’65 announced today the appointment of Joe Nicchetta ’79 to the institution’s Board of Trustees, representing the Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA).
Nicchetta fills the role most recently held by Josh Muder ’99, who was elevated to a full-time member of the Board after serving as the CCAA representative since 2021. Nicchetta, a graduate of the Day Program on main campus with a degree in Business Administration, brings decades of professional experience and a deep commitment to the Columbia College community.
“Joe is a tremendous ambassador for Columbia College, and we are proud to welcome him to the Board of Trustees,” said Simons. “His professional expertise and personal passion for the College will be a true asset as we continue to advance the institution’s mission and vision for the future.”
Nicchetta recently retired from a successful career in the shopping center industry, where he managed and leased regional malls nationwide. His work also encompassed the development, acquisition and disposition of retail assets, giving him a broad and strategic perspective on commercial real estate. A longtime resident of Chicagoland, Nicchetta resides with his wife, Judy. He has two sons, Martin and Michael, and a grandson, Alexander, who reside in the Twin Cities.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve Columbia College in this new capacity,” said Nicchetta, who has been a member of the CCAA Advisory Council since 2020. “The College played a formative role in my life, and I look forward to giving back and working alongside fellow trustees to support the institution’s growth and success going forward.”
