Construction is underway on a new 2,600 square foot Health Science Lab at Columbia International University which will house biology and chemistry lab classrooms for Fall 2022 classes. The lab is located near the Jones Center at the entrance to CIU.

These science classes are a part of CIU’s new emphasis on health science including Biomedical Science and other pre-requisites for the new residential nursing program offering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The dean of the science programs is neuroscientist Dr. David DeWitt, who comes to CIU from Liberty University with nearly 25 years of experience in higher education teaching, and nine years as the chair of a department of biology and chemistry.

DeWitt says God put on his heart to be involved in CIU’s plans for expansion into health care programs.

“I’m a builder, which is something I didn’t know until I had the opportunity to build,” DeWitt said. “I love starting new programs.”

DeWitt notes the labs are necessary for the science and health care learning experience, and are a fit for CIU’s mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ,” as well as the school’s motto.

“When you look at the motto of CIU, ‘To Know Him and to Make Him Known,’ what we can do is prepare students from the biblical worldview to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of people.”

Mashburn Construction of Columbia is managing construction of the project. 

Local news station ABC Columbia was on hand for the groundbreaking. See their report with more comments from Dr. David Dewitt. 

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