(LISTEN): New president of historic Columbia College thinking about the next 175 years

By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia College’s (CC) 19^th president says CC wants to create lives of opportunity and purpose.

853145562 1636791144481912 1672431787952043263 n — New Columbia College president Dr. Toby Arquette (right) visits with college board of trustees chair Anita Abbott Timmons during Friday’s inauguration ceremony at Bass Commons (October 16, 2026 photo courtesy of Columbia College Facebook)

President Toby Arquette spoke to 939 the Eagle after his recent inauguration. He says Columbia College has been reflecting on their vision and mission, as they wrap up their 175^th anniversary:

“I’ve been thinking about the (Columbia College’s) 20^th president. And what my job today is about making sure the road is set for them as we launch into the next 175 (years),” President Arquette says.

President Arquette was formally inaugurated last week. He says a CC education should and does open a lifetime of opportunities:

“You know it’s not just about access. It’s giving folks not only in the door but opportunities to lead lives of success and then creating meaningful purpose in the lives they have,” says President Arquette.

drtobyjarquette (002) — Dr. Toby Arquette began his job as Columbia College’s president on March 1, 2026 (2026 photo courtesy of Columbia College spokesman Sam Fleury)

President Arquette was a first-generation college student.