For nearly two decades, serving as a communication and media professor at Columbia International University was far more than a profession for me — it was a calling from God. Looking back over 19 years, I can clearly see His faithfulness woven through the classes taught, students mentored, and the opportunities to use media as a tool for the gospel. I strongly emphasized to my students that we have the great privilege of communicating the most powerful message in the most relevant way — the gospel through media.
My desire to teach began with a passion for storytelling and communication, but over time God redirected that passion toward investing in people. I sensed His leading through mentors, ministry experiences, and a growing burden to help young believers use their creative gifts for communicating Christ creatively. Influences from faithful professors, ministry leaders, and Christian communicators helped shape my understanding that teaching could be both discipleship and mission work.
Faith has always been central to how I approached the classroom. I never wanted students to simply learn camera techniques, editing skills, or communication theory. My prayer was that they would understand how excellence in media and communication could glorify God and impact the world for His kingdom. Academically, I hoped students left equipped for professional success. Spiritually and personally, I hoped they left with deeper faith, stronger character, and a clearer sense of God’s calling on their lives.
Some of my greatest joys as a professor came from watching students grow — not only creatively, but spiritually. Seeing former students go into ministry, missions, film production, broadcasting and leadership has been deeply rewarding. Moments spent on study tours to New York City and Türkiye, world premieres of student film projects, and late-night filming sessions created lasting memories and lifelong relationships. The classroom and production studios often became a place of prayer, encouragement, and spiritual transformation as much as academic instruction.
What impacted me most, however, was how students strengthened my own faith. Their passion for Christ, willingness to serve, and desire to make a difference continually reminded me why Christian education matters. The campus community at CIU fostered an environment where faith and learning were inseparable, and that deeply shaped my own spiritual journey.
As I reflect on these years, I am most grateful for God’s sustaining grace and the privilege of investing in the next generation. My prayer for alumni is that they will continue to live boldly for
Christ in their vocation and use their talents to reflect His truth and love. If there is one thing I hope students remember most, it is this: success is never the ultimate goal — faithfulness to God is.
Above: Dr. Ken Rife poses with students at a retirement gathering. (Photo by Jonathan McGaha)
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