Dr. David DeWitt got a bit emotional at the ribbon cutting of the new Columbia International University Health Science Lab. As the dean of the new science majors in Biology and Biomedical Science, he knew the building represented a big step for CIU.

“A long time ago I heard someone say, ‘Ask God for something so big that only He can do it and that way He gets the credit,’” DeWitt said fighting back tears. “Right here,” he added, pointing to the lab behind him to the applause of faculty, staff, students, donors and community leaders who attended the event.

The lab will also be heavily used by the first group of nearly 50 students enrolled in CIU’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Over a dozen courses will be taught at the lab including biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, and anatomy and physiology. State-of-the-art equipment in the lab includes:

• Top-of-the-line Leica microscopes for looking at cells and tissues at high magnification
• A spectrophotometer used for chemical analysis and measuring rates of chemical or enzyme reactions
• Gel electrophoresis for analysis of DNA and proteins.

The lab comes as CIU begins a year-old celebration of its 100^th anniversary. CIU President Dr. Mark A. Smith told local media that, “We are so excited for the next 100 years as we have these new programs to assist our students.”   

The new Biomedical Sciences major will be a rigorous program designed to prepare graduates for medical school as well as dental, pharmacy and related professional programs. 

“I am very excited to contribute to CIU’s mission to educate students from the biblical worldview with an emphasis on health and science,” DeWitt said. “These new well-equipped labs will help CIU contribute to the STEM and healthcare workforce in South Carolina and the world.”

Check out this report on the ribbon cutting from ABC Columbia: Columbia International University hosts ribbon cutting for new Health Science Lab

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.