Columbia Appoints Adam S. Weiss as Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel Following National Search

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Columbia College Chicago is pleased to announce that Adam S. Weiss has been appointed Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, following a highly competitive national search led by ZRG Partners.

Weiss, who most recently served as Interim Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel, brings more than a decade of distinguished service to Columbia. During his tenure in the Office of the General Counsel, including his role as Associate General Counsel, he has provided strategic legal and compliance guidance across a wide spectrum of issues, including contract negotiations, regulatory matters, governance, and support for students, faculty, and staff. His work has been deeply embedded across the institution, reflecting both the breadth of his expertise and his commitment to advancing a student-centered, mission-driven environment.

Over the course of his tenure, Weiss has played a key role in shaping critical institutional policies and initiatives. He drafted multiple Title IX policies and worked closely with the Title IX Office since its inception, including interviewing, hiring, and supporting nearly all of the College’s Title IX Coordinators. He has partnered with Student Support Services, Counseling Services, and other student-facing offices to ensure policies and procedures are not only compliant, but also supportive and accessible for students.

Weiss has also contributed significantly to Columbia’s creative and operational landscape. He supported the Wabash Arts Corridor by negotiating and drafting numerous mural agreements, helping to advance one of the College’s most visible public art initiatives. His work negotiating major IT infrastructure and software agreements has strengthened the College’s operational capacity, while his ongoing support of institutional events including Convocation, Manifest, and Graduation has helped ensure these hallmark experiences run smoothly and safely. His role often includes navigating complex and unique questions, reflecting both the creativity of the Columbia community and his thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach.

“Adam has consistently demonstrated exceptional judgment, integrity, and a deep commitment to Columbia College Chicago,” said Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, President and CEO. “It was clear that Adam’s leadership, institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to our mission set him apart. He understands both the complexity of higher education and the importance of supporting our creative community. I am confident he will continue to advance the College with distinction in this role.” Weiss’s appointment reflects the strength of the exceptional talent cultivated within the Columbia community.

“I am honored to serve Columbia College Chicago in this capacity,” said Weiss. “This institution has been central to my professional journey, and I remain deeply committed to supporting its mission and community. I look forward to continuing to work alongside colleagues across the college to thoughtfully advance our shared goals.”

Weiss earned his Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University Law School, where he was recognized as an Honors Scholar and participated in the Criminal Law Clinic. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, where he was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

His appointment marks a pivotal moment for the College as it continues to advance a bold, future-focused leadership vision aligned with Renaissance Rising: Shaping Tomorrow Together, reinforcing Columbia’s commitment to innovation, stewardship, and transformative impact.

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