March 10, 2026
Columbia College has appointed A. Gillian Stewart-Wells, Ph.D., as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Stewart-Wells will begin her role on April 6, 2026, and will serve as the College’s chief academic officer, providing strategic leadership for academic programs across Columbia College’s four schools, as well as its graduate, online, and professional offerings.
Stewart-Wells joins Columbia College at a pivotal time as the institution advances its strategic vision, On the Rise, focused on strengthening the student experience, modernizing the campus environment, advancing academic innovation, growing enrollment, optimizing operations, and building long-term financial sustainability. Her appointment supports the College’s continued work to reimagine a contemporary liberal arts education rooted in inquiry-based learning, deep community engagement, and social mobility.
“This is a defining moment for Columbia College as we continue to sharpen our academic distinctiveness and expand opportunity for students,” said Columbia College President Dr. John H. Dozier. “Dr. Stewart-Wells is a proven academic leader with a strong record of program innovation, faculty development, and student success. She brings the steady, mission-centered leadership we need to strengthen our academic enterprise and advance our On the Rise priorities with clarity and discipline.”
With more than 20 years of leadership in higher education, Stewart-Wells has served in roles including Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Vice President, and Acting President. Her background includes extensive experience leading academic strategy and program development, strengthening faculty and staff culture, advancing student success initiatives, and building partnerships that support institutional sustainability. Her scholarly and professional focus centers on higher education leadership and social justice.
"I was thrilled to find a school that truly focuses on expanding access and opportunity,” said Stewart-Wells. “Throughout my campus visit, I felt genuine excitement and energy from faculty and staff, and that spirit was energizing. I’m honored to join a college on the rise, building on the strong academic enterprise already in place, and I look forward to being present for students and an advocate for their success. I’m especially inspired by Columbia College’s commitment to impacting the local community in meaningful ways.”
As Provost, Stewart-Wells will lead the ongoing development of curriculum and programs aligned with student and workforce needs, strengthen faculty excellence and support, and advance academic innovation that complements Columbia College’s mission. Her leadership will also support continued collaboration across divisions to improve retention and graduation outcomes, expand experiential learning opportunities, and deepen student satisfaction across learning modalities.
Stewart-Wells holds a Ph.D. in Education with concentrations in Higher Education Administration and Social Justice, as well as advanced degrees in education administration and multicultural education. She has served as a national mentor to new provosts through the Council of Independent Colleges and has been recognized for leadership excellence and academic scholarship.