Dr. Andre Rogers Named Special Assistant to the President; Popular longtime CIU professor has served under presidents Smith and Jones

By Bob Holmes

Columbia International University professor of Church Ministry, Dr. Andre Rogers has an additional role outside the classroom. CIU President Dr. Mark Smith has named Rogers special assistant to the president to “advise him on important matters.”

“In my time at CIU I have come to respect Dr. Rogers and feel his wisdom and guidance will be a great asset to me and to CIU as we move forward,” Smith said.

Rogers, a South Carolina native, often accompanies Smith when he visits community leaders in the Columbia area.

“Dr. Smith is fast becoming a key person of interest within the community,” Rogers said. “He is instrumental in implementing improvements on campus as well as the surrounding community.”

Rogers notes Smith’s particular focus on improving the Monticello Road area from I-20 to the CIU campus to encourage new business.

“He is an entrepreneur and an innovator,” Rogers added.

Rogers has been associated with CIU for over two decades. He earned his bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Ministry degree from CIU. He joined the faculty of CIU’s Seminary & School of Ministry (Columbia Biblical Seminary) in 2010 after teaching Pastoral Ministries in the undergraduate division. In addition, he serves as pastor of Concord Fellowship Baptist Church in Columbia.

Rogers also served as a professor under the presidency of Dr. Bill Jones, who preceded Smith. Jones now serves as CIU’s chancellor. Rogers says that Jones was a key person in making him feel welcomed when he first came to campus as a student.

“We would often share brief moments of interaction whenever possible, sometimes over lunch,” Rogers recalls. “He encouraged and challenged me to continue to grow. We quickly became friends and that friendship has grown and lasted over the years.”

Rogers adds that with Smith and Jones, God is taking the vision of CIU to the nations.

“Someone once said that CIU was a well-kept secret in Columbia, but that is not true anymore thanks to the efforts of these men.”    

CIU has announced $25 million in expansion plans for the campus, including construction of the $20 million William H. Jones Global Business and IT Center. Information on CIU programs and enrollment is available here or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024. CIU is accredited by SACS-COC.