The grant will help Columbia connect students with academic guidance, financial resources, and timely support throughout their college experience.
President and CEO Shantay N. Bolton, PhD, was appointed to the Near South Planning Board Board of Directors, strengthening Columbia's civic leadership in the South Loop.
A new study combines concepts from theoretical physics, multi-agent computational modeling, and organizational science to identify the hidden drivers of long-term business outcomes.
Manifest 2026: KALEIDOSCOPE—marking its 25th anniversary, this year’s festival will transform sections of Wabash Avenue into a vibrant, all-day festival, highlighting the creative work of Columbia’s graduating seniors, and is free and open to the public.
Columbia College Chicago will award honorary Doctor of Arts degrees to American rapper and community activist Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker and Chicago business leader Toi Salter at its 2026 Commencement.
A range of performances and experiences at Columbia College Chicago showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Columbia College Chicago will formally install Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, PhD as its 11th president on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Columbia College Chicago launches two new online graduate programs in Screenwriting and Development and Global Beauty Management, designed for working professionals seeking flexible, industry-connected degrees.
A law firm co-founded by Associate Professor Loren Wells prevailed in a precedent-setting court decision that affirms music creators’ rights to reclaim their copyrights worldwide.
Chicago, IL (December 15, 2025) — Columbia College Chicago proudly announces that President Dr. Shantay N. Bolton has been named the recipient of the W.E.B. DuBois Higher Education Award by the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE).
Columbia College Chicago announced the launch of national searches for three key executive positions: Senior Vice President and Provost, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel.
Columbia College Chicago is expanding access to higher education in creative disciplines grounded in liberal arts, technology, media, and business by launching two initiatives in the Summer and Fall of 2026.
Columbia College Chicago announced a partnership with St. Augustine all-male Catholic High School in New Orleans.
Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, who has most recently served as the executive vice president of administration and finance and chief business officer at Georgia Tech, will officially start her presidential tenure at Columbia on July 1.
Columbia College Chicago’s Glass Curtain Gallery is pleased to present Seven Skins, a solo exhibition of work by Regin Igloria. Come celebrate the opening on Thursday, March 7, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the artist will be present.
Columbia College Chicago honors the Efroymson Family Fund with the 2023 Philanthropic Icon Award for the family’s contributions to help create opportunities for students to pursue their passion in the arts
Columbia announces fall lineup for 49th Dance Presenting Series
The award provides ten $12,000 scholarships and one full-tuition scholarship to students transferring from Chicago-area community colleges to Columbia.
This summer the college will be launching its first-ever Summer Institute as part of the Social Justice Initiative.
Business and Entrepreneurship Festival Management students to host Columbia Laughs, Columbia's first comedy festival
AEMMP celebrates anniversary with performances, exhibits, masterclasses
Theatre Department announces three productions for Spring 2022 season
Close Ties to Home Country was written and directed by Akanksha Cruczynski, an MFA Cinema Directing student, and produced by Felicia Ferrara ’20, who received her MFA in Creative Producing. The film was made as part of their graduate thesis film project.
Spring 2022 season includes Eiko Otake, Sara Juli, and new work from local stars on the rise
Columbia Events Management course to host annual hip-hop event, The Fresh Connect, at the Conaway Center
Soft Allergy, an exhibition of work by Claire Ashley, Judith Brotman, and Cameron Clayborn, opens to the public on November 11, 2021 at Columbia College Chicago’s Glass Curtain Gallery.
Media literacy TikTok Challenge for Illinois high school students featuring awards from Columbia College Chicago announced
Exhibit featuring 50 photographs of the Obama family to be displayed at Columbia College Chicago
Melissa Ann Pinney ’77, Guggenheim Fellow, Receives 2021-22 Diane Dammeyer Fellowship
Gensler principal, Columbia honorary degree recipient to teach Interior Design courses at Columbia College Chicago 2021-22 AY
Theatre Department announces Fall 2021 performances and the return of live audiences
Kyle Abraham’s newest work to be performed at the Dance Center
Fall 2021 Season to Open to Live Audiences
Opening this Fall at the Museum of Contemporary Photography
Private Property was produced by MX Foundry and was released June 8, 2021.
The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago (MoCP) held DARKROOM, their annual benefit auction virtually on Thursday, June 10, 2021, bringing in over $200,000 to support the museum.
The School of Graduate Studies offers thirteen master's degree programs in the arts, media, and the business of the arts.
Eleven transfer students receive renewable scholarships totaling nearly $150,000 for upcoming academic year.
The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago's (MoCP) annual benefit auction and gala will take place on Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 5:45-8:00 p.m.
Exhibitions "Much Unseen is Also Here: An-My Lê and Shahzia Sikander" and "Martine Gutierrez" will run from June 3 – August 29, 2021.
The Dance Performing Series at Columbia College Chicago’s Dance Center will present four outdoor screenings of Netta Yerushalmy and Abby Z and the New Utility performances.
Columbia College Chicago Announces New Social Justice Fashion Exhibition on Display Until May 10th, 2021.
This year, Columbia’s Commencement ceremonies will again be offered in a virtual format, enhanced to reproduce, as closely as possible, the in-person experience. The graduating classes of 2021 and 2020 will be honored in five ceremonies that will be viewable on the College’s dedicated Commencement website beginning Saturday, May 15 at 10 a.m. CDT.
The 2021 Association for Popular Music Education conference will offer a combination of live and virtual events from June 9-12, 2021, including a virtual student showcase.
Members of the public can participate in the MoCP's upcoming programming in-person or online.
The Scholarship will Benefit Continuing Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Columbia College Chicago is pleased to become the new home of Sound Opinions, a weekly hour-long music talk show with news, interviews, feature segments, and record reviews distributed to 150 Public Radio stations and available for podcast download.
Fall 2020 Celebrates Chicago Artists
Longtime adjunct faculty member Dominic Calabrese is establishing The Elizabeth Frances Calabrese Memorial Scholarship.
Eleven transfer students receive renewable scholarships totaling nearly $150,000 for upcoming academic year.
Lana Bramlette, ’97, founder of Lana Jewelry, gives $540K to Columbia College Chicago through the Chicago Fashion Foundation.
Columbia College Chicago’s famous Manifest Urban Arts Festival moves forward online; recording Artist Jamila Woods will headline the event
The contest offers Columbia students the opportunity to make political and social statements, demonstrate their artistic skills, and showcase their analytical abilities.
Columbia College Chicago's Fashion Studies students launch #ColumbiaMakesMasks to provide 2,000 masks to healthcare workers in need during the COVID-19 crisis.
The fellowship, which honors playwrights whose work demonstrates a commitment to communities of color, announces its 2020 recipient.
To prepare its faculty and students for teaching in the new learning environment, Columbia’s theatre department created a humorous short video that highlights what not to do when video conferencing.
Columbia will host events across campus, faculty and students will present and participate in a variety of events from February 12 – February 15
Completion rates also increase to highest on record.
$50 million facility becomes new campus hub in the South Loop.
Old Town School to operate Sherwood Community Music School programming, adding Old Town School music classes and early childhood programming
Eleven transfer students receive renewable scholarships totaling nearly $150,000 for upcoming academic year.
Fashion alum Carlos Osuna ’19 recently won Univision’s “Agent of Change” award, which recognizes Latin youth and artists making positive contributions in their communities.
Columbia College Chicago to partner with Barnes and Noble College to manage its campus bookstore located at 624 S. Michigan Avenue.
Enjoy Chicago’s South Loop and help fund public art.
Grant establishes the Chip Hooper Scholarship in memory of the late Paradigm executive and music industry legend.
Jim DeRogatis’s “Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly,” the result of nearly two decades of reporting on abuse allegations against musician R. Kelly, is out June 4.
Fashion Design students take first and third place for their innovative and socially-conscious fashion designs.
Columbia’s annual festival in the South Loop features hundreds of free public programs with live music, dance, and art exhibitions—all created and curated by more than 2,000 student artists.
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to participate in panel discussion: “What Makes America Great? Immigration Policy and Chicago”
Chicago-based educators invest in the next generation of coders.
Real estate and community developer Elzie L. Higginbottom, scholar and human rights advocate Cheryl Johnson-Odim, and former Chicago Public Media news host and alumnus Tony Sarabia to be honored at Commencement.
Experience more than 100 free public programs with live music, dance, and art; Exhibitions curated by more than 2,000 student artists.
“Birmingham, Alabama, 1963: Dawoud Bey/Black Star” will close Columbia’s “Collective Impact” series.
Anderson and McKee work with Columbia students to "create new rules” in mixing audio album.
Award-winning novel “Brother, I’m Dying” by Haitian-American writer Edwidge Danticat is the featured book for 2019.
Columbia’s new Senior Vice President and Provost Marcella David will join the college on June 3.
The new guaranteed transfer agreement, which also includes a renewable scholarship, will streamline the transfer process and allow students to focus on their coursework.
Jackie Spinner’s "Don’t Forget Me" showcases the challenges faced by Moroccan parents in a discriminatory system preventing their children from being educated.
Exhibition will feature four decades of Mexican comic art including ink-on-paper comic book drawings, microcuentos, and contemporary artists Alejandra Espino and Augusto Mora.
Festival presents nearly 50 independent films that focus on equality and social justice, including issues of gender, sexuality, race, and inequality often missing from mainstream media.
Kristiana Rae Colón selected as resident playwright for the Madeleine Moore Burrell Playwriting Fellowship.
English and Creative Writing Department presents free literary events featuring award-winning authors; first reading to be held on February 13.
1001 South State has a second mural created by a Columbia alum.
Wilsyn is recognized for her contributions to and accomplishments in Jazz music spanning decades.
Interactive exhibit explores and compiles Chicago’s deep history of feminist artist-run activities; Runs Nov. 1, 2018–Feb. 15, 2019.
New opportunities for Chicago Public School (CPS) and Arts Schools Network (ASN) graduating seniors.
Chicago leaders in technology and education join to expand coding education for local students.
Mural by Kirsten McCrea, a result of an art exchange between Sister Cities Chicago and Toronto, becomes the newest addition to the Wabash Arts Corridor.
South Loop storefront serves as professional outlet for emerging Columbia artists to showcase and sell art, accessories, fashion, home decor, and more.
Nationally renowned artists share their experiences in creating music, dance, and visual art toward fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society.
Michelle Duster, great-granddaughter of civil rights icon Ida B. Wells, co-edited anthology of writing and artwork by African American women about history-making former First Lady.
English and Creative Writing Department presents free literary events featuring award-winning authors; first reading to be held on Sept 19.
New agreement to facilitate seamless transition for students from MATC into Columbia’s bachelor’s degree programs.
Awards provide annually renewable scholarships to students transferring from local community colleges.
2018–19 Season Welcomes Donald Byrd’s Spectrum Dance, Ephrat Asherie Dance, Ananya Dance Theatre; Returning Companies Urban Bush Women, Tere O’Connor Dance; Chicago Artists Hedwig Dances, Red Clay Dance Company
Columbia College Chicago student Charlie Curtis-Beard and the Weird Kids announced as opening act; City’s largest student-run day-long festival highlights include dance performances, DIY art making, original short films, food truck social, and more
Chicagoland Transfer Award provides eligible students one full-tuition scholarship, ten individual scholarships of $10,000, all with annual renewal--Applications open May 4; Deadline June 15
Mural exchange celebrates 35th anniversary of Chicago’s sister city partnership with Casablanca
Milestone event to highlight the Deaf community’s impact on Chicago, culture, art, and industry; features ASL improv, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Glass Curtain Gallery and Museum of Contemporary Photography recognized for influencing Chicago’s art and design communities, propelling city’s role as hub of imagination and impact
Manifest festival to feature hundreds of free public programs with live music, dance, and art exhibitions from more than 2,000 student artists
English and Creative Writing Associate Professor Sam Weller’s new edition of Listen to the Echoes: The Ray Bradbury Interviews includes exclusive images
Columbia Professor Dawoud Bey and alumni Paul Broucek, Jennifer Farrington, and Mary A. Mitchell to be honored at Commencement.
Emerging hip-hop artists, musicians, and business entrepreneurs join forces to bring a “Lil’ Taste of the Chi” to world's largest music festival
Artist in Residence Russell Gunn to perform with students at Chicago’s historic Jazz Showcase
Columbia is among the few higher education institutions in the U.S. to offer distinctive online courses in high-demand new media.
Faculty and alums present and perform, student-run AEMMP Records hosts "Lil' Taste of the Chi" hip-hop showcase, students participate in cutting-edge media, entertainment, and technology industry events.
Artist in Residence Cory Henry to perform with students on March 9 at Music Center
Columbia students awarded a combined $40,000 in scholarships from National Retail Federation Foundation and YMA Fashion Scholarship Foundation for exceptional professionalism and creativity
The English and Creative Writing Department celebrates engaging stories with literary events this spring; series kicks off Feb. 7
Alumnus and trustee Jeremy Efroymson inspires alumni, trustees, and friends of Columbia to contribute to college’s student-centered initiatives through matching donations
Ozuzu and Chicago’s Links Hall awarded for “pushing the boundaries of community engagement and social justice”
College’s distinctive, practice-based hip-hop curriculum encompasses pedagogy, history, performance, and community engagement
Columbia College Chicago’s art boutique to sell exclusive pieces from artists and feature daily promotions, Nov. 27-Dec. 22
Investment in students, innovative design to be a unifying hub for the campus and boost to Chicago’s creative economy
Columbia alum Tsuda documents spontaneous and authentic spirit of the communities in Pilsen nearly 25 years ago
Bey honored for his exceptional accomplishments in the field of photography
English and Creative Writing Department presents free literary events to celebrate and connect art with learning and community; first reading to be held on Sept 27
Partnership with Columbia College Chicago and Wabash Arts Corridor (WAC) commissions local artist Gloria “Gloe” Talamantes to create a new mural inspired by LUZIA
College expands offerings geared toward new opportunities in gig economy and career advancement in arts, business
Columbia College Chicago Deepens Connection Between Community-Based Youth Programs and Curriculum
Former Executive Vice Chancellor of City Colleges of Chicago to Advance Columbia Initiatives
Investment in students, innovative design to enhance South Loop economic engine
David Cromer, Mark Kelly, Richard “Dick” Paul Kiphart, Kerry James Marshall, and Judy and Dennis Shepard will be honored at commencement ceremonies
Theatre Department welcomes multi award-winning choreographer and director
Music Department’s most recent Artist In Residence will perform live on April 7 at Music Center.
Festival highlights films created by and featuring traditionally under-represented individuals from diverse backgrounds around the world
Associate Chair of English Department and Faculty Administrative Fellow Ames Hawkins, Ph.D., takes on new faculty support role; first position of its kind at the college
First appointment of its kind at the college, new position will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion through curriculum development; cabinet-level position will also serve as special advisor to the president on college-wide policies
University of Wisconsin-MIlwaukee's Jerry Tarrer Brings Substantial Experience in Complex Higher Education Finance
Kansas State University Associate Provost for International Programs, Marcelo Sabatés, Ph.D., to assume duties early Spring 2017.
Columbia College Chicago’s Board of Trustees elected trustee William (“Bill”) Wolf, partner at KDWC Ventures, as the new chair of the Board of Trustees at the final board meeting of the college’s 2015-16 academic year.
International and local artists to install more than 40,000 square feet of new building murals in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood.
Consulate General of the Czech Republic to present sculpture and commemorate Havel’s life and work
Jane Lynch, Diane Warren, Tracy K. Smith, Paul Garnes, and Carlos Tortolero
Columbia College Chicago has named Eric Freedman, Ph.D., as its new dean of the School of Media Arts. Freedman will assume the role of dean as well as professor in Cinema Art and Science on July 1.
Ambitious program seeks to guarantee access to higher education for Chicago Public Schools graduates.
Department of Creative Writing Fall 2015 Reading Series
The Columbia College Chicago Department of Exhibitions Performance and Student Spaces (DEPS) is pleased to present Muse, an exhibition of work by photographer Niki Grangruth (MFA '09) and multimedia artist James Kinser (MA '05). The collaborators were selected for the inaugural eight-week Summer Alumni Residency Program.
With 31 works by artists from Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, France and the United States, Papercuts transforms the ancient technique of paper cutting from 6th century China into bold, contemporary statements on international historical, cultural and personal identity.