The Columbia College Board of Trustees has announced, following a vote of the Board last week, that Anita Abbott Timmons ’58 has been elevated from Acting Chair to Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Joe Nicchetta ’79 has been elected Vice Chair of the Board after serving as Alumni Representative to the Board. These appointments are effective immediately and will run through June 30, 2027.
These leadership appointments come at a time of reflection for the College family following the passing of former Board Chair and longtime College supporter Dale Simons in April. Simons’ steadfast leadership and love for Columbia College left a lasting impact on the institution and community.
Timmons returned to the Board of Trustees in 2022 after previously serving from 2007 to 2015 and has assumed leadership roles as acting chair, vice chair and chair of the Executive Committee. Named trustee emerita in 2015, she is a retired business owner and former educator who has long supported Columbia College through volunteer leadership and philanthropy. A 1958 graduate of Christian (Columbia) College, Timmons also earned a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University.
“This institution has played an extremely important role in my life for decades, and I am deeply honored to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees,” Timmons said. “I’m grateful for the trust of my fellow trustees and look forward to working alongside the Board, President Dr. Toby Arquette and our devoted faculty and staff to serve our students and help lead CC into its next 175 years.”
Nicchetta ’79 joined the Board of Trustees in July 2025 as the Columbia College Alumni Association representative. He graduated from the main campus, majoring in business administration. Nicchetta recently retired from an extensive career in the shopping center industry, managing and leasing regional malls across the country. He also assisted in the development, acquisition and disposition of retail assets. Nicchetta had served on the Columbia College Alumni Association Advisory Council since 2020.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by working alongside my fellow trustees to help guide the College’s continued growth and future direction,” Nicchetta said. “There is tremendous momentum ahead under the leadership of Chair Timmons and President Arquette.”
