Longtime Columbia International University professor Dr. Andre Rogers is CIU’s new dean of students and campus unity.

Rogers, a CIU alumnus, has served at CIU since 1999 originally as a professor of homiletics, spiritual formation, and leadership. In recent years he also took on the roles of special assistant to the president and chief diversity officer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Leadership from CIU in 1995, a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1999 and a Doctor of Ministry from CIU in 2011.

Rogers says he has always had a desire to care for students outside the classroom.

“Because if they’re successful outside the classroom, it helps them become successful inside the classroom,” Rogers said. “To take care of them physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally outside the classroom — that’s what student life should be about.”  

While “campus unity” has been added to the title of dean of students, Rogers says it’s simply a better way of defining his work as chief diversity officer over the past three years.

“We’ve determined that diversity is maybe the wrong word,” Rogers said. “We’re looking at how we can unify the campus. So, whether you are from the States, whether you are from overseas, whether you are Black or White or Latino, or wherever you’re from, we come together at the foot of the cross, bringing unity to the body.”

CIU sophomore Cameron Burke, a Youth Ministry major, says Rogers is ideal for the position.

“He’s a real down-to-earth person,” Burke said. “He makes us laugh. He teaches us sound doctrine. He gets us deep in our spiritual life. He’s a great professor all around.”    

Rogers replaces Rick Swift, another CIU alumnus (Master of Divinity ’98), who has served in Student Life for 31 years. Swift has been offered the position of vice president of student life at Cairn University near Philadelphia. Rogers credits Swift for helping him through his time as an undergraduate student.

“He made it easy to transition to college, and I thought that is a pivotal role for those who feel like they don’t belong,” said Rogers. “I’m grateful for my time to get to know him. God prepared me through that relationship.”   

As for Swift, who calculates that over 5,000 students have graduated during his time in Student Life, he also credits other campus leaders for guiding him through the decades.

“I am so grateful to the colleagues the Lord has given me in my years,” Swift said. “So many have encouraged me, prayed for me, coached me, been patient with me. It has been so rich to be amidst a faculty and staff that knew the Lord and lived that out. It was good.”

Community is at the heart of CIU. 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.