COLUMBIA, S.C. (courtesy columbiasc.edu) — On April 20, 2024, the Columbia College Board of Trustees welcomed students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, academic delegates from across the country, and friends and family of the Dozier family to celebrate the installation of Dr. John H. Dozier as the 21st President of Columbia College.
Many brought greetings to the president during the ceremony, including Mayor of Columbia Daniel Rickenmann, President Emeritus of the University of South Carolina Dr. Harris Pastides, faculty, staff, student, and alumni representatives from the College, along with special greetings from his family. Following the Oath of Office presented by the Provost of Columbia College, Dr. Kristine Barnett, and the Installation by Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ben Rex, Dr. John H. Dozier gave his address to all gathered, sharing words of insight and vision for the historic institution, rooted in tradition and committed to the future.
Following the Investiture Ceremony, the Inauguration Celebration continued with a reception on the R. Wright Spears Mall, overlooking the new open space in the center of campus, as a physical reminder that the best is yet to come for Columbia College and the leadership of Dr. Dozier. Chair of the Board of Trustees Ben Rex shared, “Dr. Dozier is building a culture of unrestrained vision paired with pragmatic strategy. His leadership will foster an era of growth and achievement that will transform our campus and broaden our impact. Our trustees are very motivated to support John’s vision, and Columbia College’s future is incredibly bright.”
Dr. Dozier draws on more than two decades of experience in leadership positions at various colleges and universities. As the Institute Community and Equity Officer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Associate Provost at the University of South Carolina, and President of Kennedy-King College in Chicago, Dr. Dozier has proven leadership skills, complemented by a passion for building caring communities in higher education. Dr. Dozier received his Bachelor of Science in marketing from South Carolina State University and was presented a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2015. He earned both a Master of Business Administration degree and a Doctor of Education degree from DePaul University in Chicago.
Community partners from across the midlands came together to support the event. Without the generosity from platinum sponsor Sodexo, gold sponsor Terminix, and many others, the celebration honoring the new president and celebrating Columbia College would not have been possible.