Columbia, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Columbia College has announced a major reorganization of its academic divisions, set to take effect in August. The college will introduce four new schools aiming to enhance student success and meet workforce needs. These include the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Leadership, School of Education, and School of Health Sciences. An emphasis on online courses for evening classes further demonstrates the college’s adaptability to student preferences. Community engagement will be prioritized through virtual sessions to discuss these changes.
Exciting Changes Coming to Columbia College as They Restructure Academic Divisions!
Columbia, are you ready for some big news? Columbia College has just announced a major reorganization of its academic divisions that is set to take effect on August 12, 2025. This overhaul aims to not only strengthen the college’s academic foundation but also to enhance student success while supporting long-term growth goals. By the end of this decade, the college hopes to serve 2,500 students—that’s a lot of eager learners!
The Columbia College Board of Trustees has given the green light for this exciting reorganization, and it breaks down into four new schools, each with its unique focus:
1. School of Arts and Sciences
This new school combines the liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences, aiming to foster inquiry and cultural literacy. Students interested in the arts will have a rich environment to explore their passions and enhance their critical thinking skills.
2. School of Business and Leadership
The School of Business and Leadership is all about preparing students for the professional world. With an emphasis on innovation, professional readiness, and leadership development, this school is sure to equip future business leaders with the skills they need to thrive.
3. School of Education
Columbia College is proud of its legacy in teacher preparation, and the new School of Education is here to enhance that. This school also introduces a brand new Center for Education Innovation, fostering fresh ideas in teaching and learning.
4. School of Health Sciences
Addressing regional health and workforce needs is a top priority, and that’s where the School of Health Sciences comes in. This represents a significant investment in allied health education, paving the way for a healthier community.
To support graduate studies, an Associate Dean of Graduate Studies position will be created to oversee these programs. And here’s a big change: starting in fall 2025, all evening courses—except for Social Work—will transition to fully online formats! This is a huge step to accommodate changing student preferences.
The overarching goal of this reorganization is to further strengthen the academic enterprise and align it with workforce needs. The chairperson of the college’s Board of Trustees highlighted the significance of growing with intention while staying connected to both student and community needs. This is all about creating pathways for student success and long-term development!
Columbia College is eager to engage with the community about these changes and will be hosting a series of virtual Q&A sessions, inviting stakeholders to learn more about the vision behind the exciting reorganization. For those interested in more details, check out www.ColumbiaSC.edu/reorganization.
FAQ Section
When will the academic reorganization at Columbia College take place?
The academic reorganization will take effect on August 12, 2025.
What is the goal for student enrollment by the end of the decade?
The institution aims to serve 2,500 students by the end of the decade.
What are the four new schools that Columbia College will implement?
The new academic structure includes the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Leadership, School of Education, and School of Health Sciences.
What changes will be made to evening courses?
All evening courses (except Social Work) will transition to fully online starting fall 2025.
Key Features of Columbia College’s Reorganization
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | August 12, 2025 |
| Enrollment Goal | 2,500 students by the end of the decade |
| New Schools | 4 new schools – Arts and Sciences, Business and Leadership, Education, and Health Sciences |
| Online Transition | All evening courses (except Social Work) will be fully online |
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Additional Resources
- Columbia College Announces Academic Reorganization
- Higher Ed Dive: Columbia College Chicago Cuts Positions
- Columbia Spectator: Barnard Lays Off Staff Members
- New York Post: Barnard College Layoffs
- New York Times: Indiana Public Universities
- Wikipedia: Columbia College
- Google Search: Columbia College reorganization
- Google Scholar: Columbia College
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia College
- Google News: Columbia College news
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