A return home: Columbia College announces new president with local ties
Columbia College, a small liberal arts school, has named its next leader.
John Dozier, the Institute Community and Equity Officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will be Columbia College’s 21st president, the board of trustees announced Thursday.
The incoming president has more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, according to a news release. Before starting at MIT in 2020, Dozier worked at the University of South Carolina as the chief diversity officer and senior associate provost and previously as president of Kennedy-King College in Chicago.
“We are proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Dozier,” board chairman Ben Rex said in a news release. “His wealth of experience and passion for the mission of Columbia College will empower our community as we continue to impact the world through the lives and experiences of our students and graduates.”
Dozier has deep ties to South Carolina. He is a Columbia native and graduate of Columbia High School. Dozier earned his undergraduate degree from South Carolina State University before getting masters and doctorate degrees from DePaul University. According to a news release, the college hopes to strengthen connections and relationships with the Columbia community through Dozier.
“Columbia College has called me home, and I cannot be more humbled or grateful,” Dozier said in a news release. “The college is poised for a bright future, and I’m honored for the opportunity to be a part of its growth.”
Dozier will assume his role of president on July 17.
