(LISTEN): Columbia College’s president says Friday’s inauguration is also chance to honor those who came before him

By Brian Hauswirth
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Historic Columbia College will conclude its 175th anniversary with Friday morning’s formal inauguration of college president Dr. Toby Arquette.

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The front of Columbia College’s campus (file photo courtesy of Columbia College spokesman Sam Fleury)

President Arquette began his position on March 1. President Arquette tells 939 the Eagle that Friday’s inauguration is a big symbolic moment for Columbia College:

“Every time you bring in a new president the chance to pause and recognize that the leader is stepping into that role and the legacy they hope to leave as the next president. So it’s a little chance to honor those that came before,” President Arquette says.

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Dr. Toby Arquette began his job as Columbia College’s president on March 1, 2026 (2026 photo courtesy of Columbia College spokesman Sam Fleury)

Friday’s inauguration will begin at 11 am at Bass Commons, in front of St. Clair Hall. The public is invited to attend the ceremony.

One of President Arquette’s main goals has been to help explain why he believes a Columbia College education is the right investment that a family wants to make. Columbia College has more than 100,000 alums.