President’s Assembly unites faculty and staff in strategic planning

With 175 years of history behind and a strong new chapter ahead, more than 300 Columbia College faculty and staff came together in person and virtually Tuesday, Aug. 25, for the inaugural President’s Assembly. 

The daylong conference welcomed the 2026-27 academic year with a look back at the work accomplished over the summer and a series of forward-looking conversations about the strategic initiatives that will shape the institution’s future. 

The event came less than a week before CC students nationwide begin classes on Monday, Aug. 31. 

“This assembly was about bringing our entire Columbia College community together to help shape what comes next,” said President Dr. Toby Arquette. “Our future will be strongest when it reflects the ideas and aspirations of the people who make this College what it is. Today was an opportunity to listen and learn from one another as we begin co-authoring our strategic blueprint for the years ahead.” 

The day opened with a presidential update and look ahead in New Hall Event Center and on Zoom, followed by an employee group photo on R. Marvin Owens Field. 

Throughout the day, colleagues from across the College participated in breakout sessions, both in person and virtually. The sessions were designed to ensure faculty and staff voices are part of the process of developing the College’s new strategic plan. 

Seven key areas shaped the conversations, including:  

• Mission, Vision, Values;  

• Students Thriving & Succeeding;  

• Operational Excellence;  

• Brand Revitalization;  

• Academic & Learning Innovation;  

• Strategic Growth & Partnerships; and  

• Resource Stewardship & Philanthropy. 

 
Rather than simply presenting plans, initiative leaders used the sessions to invite experiences and perspectives from across the College. The assembly reflected a commitment to building the College’s future collaboratively and from the ground up. Faculty and staff from locations across the country, as well as remote colleagues, had opportunities to participate and contribute to the conversations. 

The day concluded with an ice cream social and an open house at the President’s Office in St. Clair Hall, capping an important first step in creating a shared vision for the future of the institution. 

“The most important part of this process is that we’re doing it together,” said Nathan Eatherton, vice president for Strategy, Innovation and Digital Transformation. “The next step is to take the insights and opportunities we discussed today and turn them into focused action that supports our mission.”