Contact:
Sam Fleury
Senior Director
Public Relations
(573) 875-7283
sfleury@ccis.edu

Columbia College Global celebrates 50 years of educating adult and military learners

COLUMBIA, Mo. (March 1, 2023) – Wednesday, March 1, 2023 – Columbia College is planning a series of celebrations in 2023 to mark its 50th anniversary of educating adult learners and military-related students through the Columbia College Global network.

Columbia College Global is comprised of more than 40 locations across the United States and in Cuba, about half of which are connected to military installations, in addition to the college’s Online Program. Columbia College Global primarily serves non-traditional students, providing a flexible education model to students balancing work, family and school. More than 8,000 students were enrolled in classes within the network in 2022.

The kickoff event, which will be open to the public, is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, on main campus in Dorsey Gym. Attendees can also join via Zoom. Directors from locations across the country will be in Columbia for the celebration. The hourlong event will include remarks by President Dr. David Russell, a proclamation reading and refreshments.

“The 50th anniversary of Columbia College Global provides a great opportunity to honor our past, celebrate the present and envision our future,” says Russell.

The concept of nationwide locations at Columbia College began in March 1973, with evening instruction at Troop Support Command Headquarters in St. Louis. A separate civilian location in St. Louis opened in October 1973; it remains the college’s longest-running nationwide location. In January 1974, the college began operations at Fort Leonard Wood, CC’s oldest continuing military location. The college established its landmark Evening Program in March 1975, forever changing the trajectory of both the college and the lives of thousands of adult learners. In October 2000, the college became a pioneer as one of the first schools to offer college instruction over the internet.

“We place a high priority on providing easily accessible education to all adult learners, including our active-duty men and women serving in the military, veterans and their families,” says Dr. Shadel Hamilton, vice president of Columbia College Global. “There is support every step of the way. This is all part of the commitment we have worked to fulfill over the course of the past five decades of serving adult learners.”

Below is a list of Columbia College Global locations across 15 states and Cuba:

Alabama
Redstone Arsenal

California
Fort Irwin
Imperial Valley
NAS Lemoore
Los Alamitos
MCRD San Diego
NB San Diego
USCG San Diego
San Luis Obispo
USCG San Pedro

Colorado
Denver

Florida
Jacksonville
NAS Jacksonville
Orlando

Georgia
Fort Stewart
Hunter AAF
NSB Kings Bay

Hawaii
USCG Honolulu

Illinois
Crystal Lake
Elgin
Freeport
Lake County/NS Great Lakes

Indiana
Grissom ARB

Missouri
Evening Program
Fort Leonard Wood
Jefferson City
Kansas City
Lake of the Ozarks
Moberly
Rolla
Springfield
St. Louis
Waynesville
Whiteman AFB

North Dakota
Minot AFB

Oklahoma
Fort Sill

South Dakota
Ellsworth AFB

Texas
NASJRB Fort Worth
Mesquite

Utah
Salt Lake City

Washington
Marysville/NS Everett
NAS Whidbey Island

Cuba
NB Guantanamo Bay

Worldwide
Online Program

Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 170 years. As a private, nonprofit institution, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. Students can enroll in Day, Evening or Online classes. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Columbia College has more than 97,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit ccis.edu.

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