100th Anniversary: CIU thanks community partners

As a part of its 100^th anniversary celebration, Columbia International University invited dozens of Columbia business and community leaders to lunch at an historic spot where CIU laid some of its roots. The Robert Mills House in downtown Columbia once housed male students as a part of CIU’s downtown campus where the university was located prior to 1960, and known as Columbia Bible College. The House, built in the 1820s, is named after its designer who is also known for designing the Washington Monument.

And while the historic significance of the building was lost soon after it was built (and never lived in by its original owner), CIU has not forgotten the building’s importance to its history.

As CIU Chancellor Dr. Bill Jones reviewed CIU’s history from downtown to its current location on 400 acres north of the city, he also noted the contributions of CIU alumni to the city. He said 17 years ago, CIU adjusted its vision to not only educate “professional ministers” such as pastors and traditional missionaries, but to also educate “ministering professionals.”

“That means we’re not just graduating ministers, but businessmen who want to use their position in the marketplace as a platform for ministry,” Jones said. “We want to make a difference for the Lord Jesus Christ in any way we can.”

Among those in attendance noted for hiring several CIU graduates was Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott who has hired 45 CIU alumni.

“Some of them are school resource officers, some of them are regular patrol officers,” Lott said. “When I ask them why they want to become a cop, they say, ‘that’s my ministry, working with people, or kids at schools, and help lead them to God through my life by being a great role model.’”

Louie Cason, the founder of The Cason Group, an insurance industry advisor and consultant, says about one third of his 80 Columbia-based employees are CIU graduates.

“They are willing to learn,” Cason said. “We learned a long time ago, very few people graduate with a degree in insurance. We need somebody who is teachable, who is sharp, who is going to be responsive and buy into the culture. We can teach them insurance. We can’t teach them how to be adaptable and dependable.”

All that resonates with Chancellor Jones who noted CIU’s growing business, nursing and clinical counseling programs.

“This is a partnership. CIU and the community,” Jones told the group. “For the next 100 years, together, may we transform the spiritual landscape of our city. Together, may we penetrate every sector in our nation. Together, let’s educate students from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.”         

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.