CIU welcomes a new dean of students
July 17, 2024
Columbia International University’s new dean of students comes with over two decades of experience in Christian education.
Philip Ritchey has been serving in Christian education for 23 years, including six years as dean of students at Blue Mountain Christian University in northern Mississippi, and as a high school principal and a head of school at private Christian high schools.
He holds a Master of Education degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in both English and Spanish from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky.
Ritchey says he is excited about coming to CIU and looks forward to leading and working with the Student Life team “to give students an amazing campus life experience,” and also looks forward to training and developing student leaders on campus.
“As my wife Stephanie and I begin our journey at CIU, we cannot wait to build relationships with students, while serving them and making an impact for Christ,” Ritchey said pointing to Scripture:
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (I Thessalonians 5:11)
“I want to encourage students to find their place on campus, get involved in campus life, build friendships, and pray for one another,” said Ritchey as he thanked CIU Executive Vice President Dr. Rick Christman and President Dr. Bill Jones for the opportunity to serve and lead students.
Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Apply now or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.