Meet the Founders

Costantino (Chris) Colombo has a 40-year career of service to undergraduate and graduate students at MIT, Columbia and Johns Hopkins. He has been a mentor to many student affairs professionals (including David). Today, the profession is populated with these individuals in senior positions at many universities.

As Dean for Student Life at MIT from 2008 to 2016, Colombo managed a large portfolio, encompassing the Department of Athletics; Residential Life; Student Development and Support; and Religious Life. As Dean, he oversaw a staff of more than 400, working to ensure the Institutes' commitment to a well-integrated student life program that values both formal and informal learning.

From 1998 to 2008, Colombo served as Dean of Student Affairs at Columbia University's two undergraduate schools: Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering. At Columbia, his portfolio included Academic Advising; Residential Life; Student Development & Activities; Pre-Professional Advising; Scholars and Fellowships Advising; Admissions & Financial Aid. He also held the positions of Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid from 1995 to 1998, and Dean of Students for Columbia's School of Engineering and Applied Science from 1992 to 1995.

Colombo worked at The Johns Hopkins University in a variety of positions from 1975 to 1992, including Dean of Homewood Schools Services and Dean of Students. Colombo, a native of New York, received a BS from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in applied behavioral science with a concentration in organizational development from The Johns Hopkins University.