Columbia Celebrates the Opening of College Place Hub

Columbia, October 10, 2025

News Summary

Columbia has recently welcomed College Place, a beautifully renovated historic church now serving as the new home for Columbia College’s Division of Education. This transformation not only preserves the building’s legacy but also creates a vibrant space for collaboration and education. The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and remarks emphasizing the importance of community engagement and inclusivity. College Place aims to unite heritage with opportunity, making it a pivotal location for both educational pursuits and community activities.

Columbia Welcomes a New Educational Hub with College Place Opening

Exciting news from the heart of Columbia! The community recently celebrated the grand opening of College Place, a stunningly revamped historic church that will now serve as the new home for the Columbia College’s Division of Education. This isn’t just a space for classrooms; it’s a vibrant gathering place for students, faculty, and local residents alike!

For over a century, the College Place United Methodist Church has woven itself into the fabric of Columbia’s history. Recently, this cherished building has been transformed under the ownership of Columbia College, all while preserving its rich legacy. The renovations were brought to life through the skilled hands of Hood Construction, LCK, and Garvin Design Group, ensuring that the architectural beauty and historical integrity of the church were both upheld and modernized.

A Look Inside the Renovated Space

The newly renovated facilities at College Place boast an array of features designed to enhance the educational experience. Expect to find state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative spaces for teamwork, and cozy gathering areas. Not to mention, there are dedicated faculty offices that foster an inviting atmosphere for education and mentorship.

Brandon Hein, one of the project managers, expressed pride in this endeavor that rejuvenates a significant part of Columbia’s landscape, envisioning a future for both education and community engagement in the historic building.

Collaborative Learning and Community Engagement

Mark Timbes from Garvin Design Group shared insights on how the facility promotes collaboration and shares a commitment to social justice in education. This isn’t merely an educational hub; it’s a cornerstone for fostering creativity, community bonds, and a culture of inclusivity. Mickey Layden, CEO of LCK, praised this project as a benchmark for future developments within Columbia College, suggesting that the impact of College Place will resonate for years to come.

A Celebration Worth Remembering

The grand opening was marked by a cheerful ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a brief program that included remarks from key figures within Columbia College and the local community. The underlying message from President Dozier was clear: the true measure of a place lies in its ability to inspire community and foster collaboration. Reverend Fadetra Boyd, the Chaplain, reinforced the church’s mission of uniting people, reiterating the community aspect that College Place aims to promote.

What Lies Ahead

As College Place officially opens its doors, classes and resources for students aspiring to careers in teaching and leadership will begin taking place in this newly minted facility. But that’s not all! The community is also encouraged to engage with College Place, ensuring that it serves as a platform for growth and development for everyone.

The transition of College Place is a beautiful homage to the building’s legacy while casting a hopeful eye towards the future—uniting heritage with opportunity in education and community service. Columbia has a new jewel in its educational crown!

FAQs About College Place

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Additional Resources

• Columbia Business Report
• Cola Daily
• Cola Today
• KOMU News
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: Columbia College
• Google Search: Columbia College Education
• Google Scholar: Columbia College
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia College
• Google News: Columbia College

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