CIU’s new Kepha Institute Educating and Developing Leaders Around the Globe

International students now have an online option for higher education that is committed to developing caring, dedicated and competent community leaders around the globe, primarily those in the developing world. It’s called the Kepha Institute of Columbia International University (CIU).

The mission of the new Kepha Institute is to cultivate students with integrity and professional knowledge, so that they can disseminate truth and serve for the well-being of their communities.

Provost and Dean Dr. James Lanpher says The Kepha Institute offers high-quality educational resources via online platforms at a cost that's affordable to qualified recipients.

“We focus on developing communities around the world, providing them with professional trainings as well as moral and spiritual development,” Lanpher said. “We encourage our graduates to serve and transform their communities.”

The Kepha Institute will begin offering practical majors such as a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) this fall with a Master of Arts in Cybersecurity planned for the future. Undergraduate majors in Psychology, Business and Computer Science will also be offered in the future.   

Administrative Dean Dr. Zhiqiu Xu explains that Kepha is the Aramaic form of the name Cephas taken from John 1:42 in the Bible where Jesus names the Apostle Peter “Cephas” or “Rock.”

“We use this name in the hope that our graduates will become solid foundations of a transformed community,” Xu said.

All degrees conferred by Kepha bear the same value as other programs at CIU. The degrees are accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), as well as other professional accrediting agencies.

More information on The Kepha Institute and your opportunity to apply today is at kepha.institute.

With  record enrollment  for five straight years, CIU 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 .