Named for entrepreneur and philanthropist, Johnnie Cordell Breed. Breed became interested in Columbia College while serving as the William B. Cockroft Executive-in-Residence in March 1990. The same year, she served as the commencement speaker for Columbia College’s graduating class and received an honorary doctorate in business and economics. During that address, she announced her gift of $1 million to the College to kick-start fundraising to create a leadership training and resource center for women. In October 1990, she was inducted into the College’s Heritage Society for her generous support and also became a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. The grand opening of The Johnnie Cordell Breed Leadership Center for Women was in April 1993. A second $1 million dollar gift was announced in January 1995 and was used for campus facility and technology improvements. She is currently serving her fourth term as a trustee.

The Breed Leadership Center was designed to echo the architectural style of the original Old Main building, which burned in 1964, with its distinctive arches and columns. Inside, the building displays portraits of each past Columbia College president on the second level, which opens to a soaring three-story lobby. The building houses offices and meeting space as well as classrooms and a lecture auditorium. The Tucker Board Room is located on the second floor, named for alumna and donor Alawee Tucker ’39.

Home to:
Department of Business and Economics
The Leadership Institute
The Alliance for Women

Campus in 1905


Remains of campus from the September 9, 1909 fire.


Old Main in 1935 (built in 1910)


Old Main burns on the night of Febuary 12, 1964.