Office of the President

John H. Dozier leads Columbia College as its 21^st president.

John H. Dozier began his role as Columbia College's 21st President in July 2024. He is guiding the institution through a period of renewed growth, deeper community partnerships, and mission clarity. His work centers on preparing students for meaningful lives of impact, strengthening the College’s financial and academic standing, and advancing the College’s role as a catalyst for well-being in the 29203 community and beyond.

John’s path to Columbia College reflects a long commitment to education, innovation, and community service. Before stepping into the presidency, he served in senior leadership roles at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of South Carolina, and City Colleges of Chicago, where he advanced major initiatives in student success, community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and organizational transformation. His professional journey has also included significant Board service, including current and past roles with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, MIT Press, the American Heart Association Boston Affiliate, Central Carolina Community Foundation, and EdVenture. These experiences shaped his approach to leadership: data-informed, people-centered, and driven by a belief that higher education must open doors and expand opportunity.

Looking ahead, John is focused on securing Columbia College’s future through strategic growth, sustained financial strength, and deeper engagement with local and regional partners.

For him, giving back is both personal and deeply purposeful. It means investing deeply in the city and community that shaped him and creating opportunities for students to be not only workforce-ready but equipped with the knowledge and skills to strengthen the places they will one day call home.

How to Reach Dr. Dozier

803.786.3178 | Allison Administration Building | 1301 Columbia College Dr.

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Columbia College On the Rise

Columbia College is in a defining moment, building boldly on its historic mission while charting an ambitious path forward. The College is embracing a future that reimagines the liberal arts for a new era: one that is intentional, innovative, and deeply connected to community.

"Together, we will continue to create new opportunities and extraordinary value for our students and alumni. We will continue to honor our college’s history while embracing a future that positions us as leaders in preparing tomorrow’s business, civic, healthcare, and education leaders." — Dr. Dozier

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The Victoria and John Dozier Scholarship Fund

The Victoria and John Dozier Scholarship Fund is designed to provide financial support to deserving students who may not have the means to pursue higher education. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with attending college, ensuring that promising individuals have the opportunity to pursue their academic and career goals. Through this scholarship, we strive to empower students to fulfill their potential and contribute positively to their communities and beyond.

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First Lady Victoria Dozier

First Lady Victoria Dozier, like the president, has deep ties to Columbia, South Carolina. Although originally born in Brooklyn, New York, Victoria's family relocated to the North Main Street community during her middle school years, where she attended schools within the Richland One and Two districts. Her academic journey led her to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of South Carolina, followed by a Master of Business Administration degree from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Victoria possesses extensive expertise in both business management and engineering for over three decades. Her commitment to community service is evident through her active involvement in numerous boards, community councils, and organizations. Alongside her professional pursuits, Victoria nurtures various passions, including art collection, running, historic preservation, and the creation of partnerships and programs that aim to enhance the lives of young individuals.

The Inauguration of Dr. Dozier

Dr. John H. Dozier was invested as Columbia College's 21^st president on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

The inauguration festivities took place on April 19-21, 2024, serving as a weekend-long commemoration of Dozier and a public reaffirmation of the College's commitment to impact, service, and academic excellence. The celebration started with a Board of Trustees welcome reception and a homecoming pep rally on Friday and ended with a worship service on Sunday.

The investiture on Saturday the 20^th was followed by a campus-wide celebration that included live music, dancing, and a performance featuring the Columbia College Division of Arts and Humanities. It was also celebrated with a fundraiser and guided tours of the Johnnie Cordell Breed Leadership Center for Women.

The Community Congratulates Dr. John H. Dozier on His Appointment