Columbia College hires Dr. Toby Arquette as next president

By Zimmer Communications
42219 rogersgate 002

Columbia College’s next president comes from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.

drtobyjarquette (002)
Dr. Toby Arquette will become Columbia College’s 19th president on March 1, 2026 (photo courtesy of Columbia College spokesman Sam Fleury)

The Columbia College Board of Trustees has named Dr. Toby Arquette as the school’s 19th president, effective March 1. Dr. Arquette will succeed retiring president Dr. David Russell. The acting chair of the board of trustees says Dr. Arquette “brings an exciting, bold vision for the future of Columbia College.”

Dr. Arquette was chosen from a field of more than 100 applicants. A search committee interviewed nine candidates off-campus in November, and four finalists visited the main campus in December.

career fair 5 (002)
Scooter the Cougar, Columbia College’s mascot, attends a career fair (file photo courtesy of Columbia College spokesman Sam Fleury)

Columbia College associate professor Gina Singleton describes Dr. Arquette as articulate and thoughtful, saying he has demonstrated strong communication skills. Columbia College, which was founded in 1851, will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2026.