New Leadership at Columbia College Chicago
Clockwise: Jerry Tarrer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Emmanuel Lalande, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Strategy and Student Success; Dr. Adriel A. Hilton, Vice President of Institutional Strategy and Chief of Staff; Laurent Pernot, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Civic Engagement Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, Columbia College Chicago's new president, has appointed transformative leaders to chart a bold course for Columbia College Chicago, reinforcing the college’s mission to empower creatives of all backgrounds. These appointments support her strategy to enhance operational excellence, drive enrollment success, expand civic engagement, and strengthen institutional partnerships.
Effective July 1, the following leaders will join the president’s leadership team:
- Jerry Tarrer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
- Dr. Emmanuel Lalande, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Strategy and Student Success
- Dr. Adriel A. Hilton, Vice President of Institutional Strategy and Chief of Staff
- Laurent Pernot, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Civic Engagement
“This leadership team reflects both a fresh perspective and deep institutional knowledge,” said Dr. Bolton. “Our two newest members bring bold ideas and national expertise, while our longstanding colleagues offer continuity and a strong understanding of Columbia’s culture. Together, we are united by a commitment to student success and community impact—and ready to build on Columbia’s 135-year legacy as a vibrant hub for creatives from all walks of life.”
Jerry Tarrer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 
Jerry Tarrer, who has served as interim president and chief financial officer, will now focus on operational execution and day-to-day oversight of administrative functions. His leadership during a critical transition sustained institutional momentum, and he remains a vital asset as the college continues to strengthen its infrastructure and financial management.
The chief financial officer role, soon to be appointed, will continue emphasizing financial stewardship, strategic forecasting, and long-term sustainability.
Dr. Emmanuel Lalande, Senior Vice President of Enrollment Strategy and Student Success 
Dr. Emmanuel Lalande has over two decades of experience in enrollment and student development. Joining Columbia from Voorhees University, he is known for his data-informed leadership and passion for access and equity as a first-generation college graduate. His role will be critical in strengthening recruitment, improving retention, and enhancing the overall student experience.
Dr. Adriel A. Hilton, Vice President of Institutional Strategy and Chief of Staff
Dr. Adriel A. Hilton brings a national reputation as a scholar and strategic leader with a deep commitment to inclusive excellence. Most recently, he served with Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families and has previously led strategic student affairs and enrollment initiatives at Southern University at New Orleans. His appointment supports Columbia’s long-range planning and its mission-centered approach to student success.
Laurent Pernot, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Civic Engagement 
Laurent Pernot, Columbia’s long-serving chief of staff, steps into a new role to lead strategic partnerships and civic engagement. With a background in public service and public affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and the City Colleges of Chicago, he will forge new connections between the college and its civic, cultural, and industry partners to elevate student outcomes and broaden Columbia’s community impact.
“Together, this team will work in concert with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to chart a bold and collaborative path forward,” said Dr. Bolton. “As Columbia builds on its legacy and adapts to meet the evolving needs of today’s creative economy, the college remains committed to delivering an exceptional student experience—and to becoming a national model for how institutions turn headwinds into momentum and vision into measurable impact.”
These leadership appointments underscore Columbia’s renewed focus on enrollment growth, brand elevation, philanthropic engagement, and long-term fiscal sustainability.
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