Dear CIU alumni & friends,

On behalf of the CIU Board of Trustees, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we announce the appointment of Dr. Bill Jones as the new President of Columbia International University.

Our decision to appoint Dr. Jones as president has been bathed in prayer as we seek wisdom and discernment for the future of CIU. The Board is especially thankful for the dedicated efforts of the search committee.

We are confident that Dr. Jones’ spirit-led leadership will uphold and advance CIU’s and Ben Lippen’s mission to educate students from a Biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.

Currently serving as the chancellor and former president of CIU, Dr. Jones brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the position as he preserves and promotes the university’s five core values.

In his previous role as CIU president, Dr. Jones laid the foundation for the university to move into the next century. His strategic, visionary approach included spearheading initiatives such as CIU's first fully online degree program, the Kepha program (which now has an enrollment of 800 students in mainland China), gaining full accreditation for the Prison Initiative, establishing CIU’s intercollegiate athletics, and creating CIU’s School of Business. Under Dr. Jones’ stewardship, CIU’s endowment grew from $12 million to $43 million.

Furthermore, under his leadership, the realization of the vision and construction of CIU's Pine View apartments not only elevated the physical landscape but also enriched the fabric of the campus community. Additionally, Dr. Jones catalyzed the historic appointment of the first Ben Lippen parent to serve as the board chair for the K-12 school, marking a significant milestone in its 80-year history.

His Bible teaching ministry to marketplace leaders including state and federal government leaders has changed the spiritual dynamics of the state. Currently, 300 men around the country are taking his popular two-year course “Journey Through Scripture.” Dr. Jones was awarded the Key to the City of Columbia by Mayor Steve Benjamin in 2017, and his efforts were recognized by South Carolina in 2019 when he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest honor.

Having a passion for communicating the message of God’s love and forgiveness, Dr. Jones co-founded Crossover Global in 1987, an organization that has planted over 4,000 churches among unreached people groups.

On a personal note, Bill is married to Debby Jones, who holds a master's in Christian Education from CIU. Together, they have four married children and eleven grandchildren.

The Board is confident that Dr. Jones’ tenure as president will be marked by the same spirit-led direction that has characterized his previous roles, bringing forth innovation, growth, and a continued commitment to excellence. We also look forward to him continuing to empower the dynamic leadership at Ben Lippen with their track record of achievements.

Dr. Jones will begin serving as president on February 1, 2024. Inauguration details will be forthcoming.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Bill Jones and look forward to the future of CIU and Ben Lippen!

Sincerely,

Hans Finzel
Chair, Board of Trustees
Columbia International University