Dr. Toby Arquette began as the 19th President of Columbia College on March 2, 2026. A first-generation college student, he brings a personal understanding of the transformative power of education and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for students from all backgrounds.
Before joining Columbia College, Dr. Arquette served as Vice President for Strategic Growth, Marketing and Digital Transformation at St. Ambrose University, where he aligned brand strategy, enrollment performance and digital innovation with long-term financial sustainability. He played a central role in two institutional mergers that expanded student access and strengthened institutional capacity. In parallel, he led enrollment, marketing and financial aid teams through the complicated FAFSA simplification rollout while navigating a rapidly evolving higher education policy environment.
Previously, he spent 15 years at Aurora University, rising from faculty member to Dean and Faculty Senate Chair. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication from Northwestern University and has completed advanced executive leadership training through the Harvard Management Development Program and the Council of Independent Colleges. He and his husband, Mark, are proud to call Columbia, Missouri, their home.
Read a message from Dr. Arquette to the Columbia College community.