Pray for Dr. Mark Smith — Health Update

UPDATE as of 1/3/23:

CIU Family,

Dr. Smith continues to work on recuperating from his blood clot and brain bleed in November. He was able to go home on Christmas Eve to continue the recovery process. He is growing stronger, but it will take time. The family does not have words to express their appreciation for all your prayers and support during this challenging season. Please continue to pray for a complete recovery.

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Christman

Executive Vice President

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UPDATE as of 12/12/22:

A Message from CIU's Board of Trustees:

As we continue in prayer for Dr. Mark Smith and his wife and family, the CIU Board of Trustees has determined that the uncertainties regarding his recovery necessitate the appointment of an acting president.  Consequently, we have unanimously chosen Dr. Rick Christman to fill this role. 

As Executive Vice President, Dr. Christman has led CIU in the wonderful growth of the student body over these last three years. He also led the university during Dr. Smith’s cancer treatments. Dr. Christman has built a great team around him allowing for the delegation of his current responsibilities, and we have every confidence that our momentum will continue under his leadership.

This strong confidence is based on the following credentials and character:

• Loves CIU and is committed to our mission
• Holds extensive experience and qualifications in higher education and administration
• Leads the current growth of CIU’s enrollment – online and on campus
• Works with integrity, diligence, and sincerity
• Leads with service and stewardship

Please join us in praying for Dr. Christman as God leads him to serve the CIU family to Know Him and To Make Him Known.

Dr. Hans Finzel

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Columbia International University

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UPDATE as of 12/8/22:

CIU Family,

Dr. Smith has improved to the point where he will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility either today or Friday. He will undergo physical, occupational, and speech therapy for about two weeks. It is anticipated that he will be home by Christmas. Thank you for your prayers on Dr. Smith's behalf over the past several weeks and moving forward.

Blessings,

Dr. Rick Christman

Executive Vice President

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UPDATE as of 11/29/22:

CIU Family,

Progress has been slow and there are good days and days that are a little rough, but we continue to praise God for the improvements that Dr. Smith is experiencing. Please continue to pray for him, as well as Debbie and their family.

Dr. Rick Christman

Executive Vice President

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UPDATE as of 11/22/22:

CIU Family,

We approach the holidays with gratitude in our hearts for the many wonders God has worked this year. Not the least of them has been His hand on our president, Dr. Mark Smith. Several weeks ago, Dr. Smith suffered a blood clot in his brain resulting in brain surgery to remove the blood clot. The surgeon gave nearly no hope that Dr. Smith would even survive the day other than this statement: “This will require a miraculous intervention for survival.” Now, the surgeon has reminded us that a miraculous intervention has occurred.

Dr. Smith is conscious and verbally responds correctly to queries from the hospital staff and visitors. He has been standing, sitting in a chair, and conversing. There is still a long way to go in his recovery, but the family is greatly encouraged by his progress. There is no question, but that God has responded to your many prayers for Dr. Smith. Please continue to pray for his recovery as the journey length is not yet known.

Dr. Rick Christman

Executive Vice President

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UPDATE as of November 14, 2022, at 10:00 am:

A Message from CIU's Board of Trustees:

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Columbia International University, we would like to assure the University family that we are very aware and connected to the events surrounding Dr. Mark Smith’s health situation.  We are monitoring his progress daily. In fact, Board Chair, Dr. Hans Finzel, will be on the CIU campus this week encouraging the CIU team in this current challenge.  

We ask you to join us in prayer as we seek to see Dr. Smith fully restored to his leadership task in due time. In the meantime, we have every confidence in the executive team that Dr. Smith has assembled. Under the capable direction of Dr. Rick Christman, Executive Vice President, and the President’s Cabinet, the University is running smoothly. We covet your prayers for Dr. Smith, his wife Debbie, and their family during this trying time.  

Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees

Dr. Hans Finzel, Chair

Columbia International University

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UPDATE as of November 11, 2022, at 1:30 pm:

CIU Family,

The last few hours have been very rough for Dr. Smith, and he needs our prayer support. Please continue to lift him up in prayer throughout the weekend, along with his wife, Debbie, and their family.

As I am made aware of the circumstances, I will continue to send out updates. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated.

Dr. Rick Christman

Executive Vice President

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UPDATE as of November 10, 2022, at 11:00 am:

CIU Family,

I want to share with you an update regarding Dr. Smith. He is awake and talking. He is off the vent and the CT scan shows no bleeding on the brain! He told his wife, Debbie, he loved her and spoke to other family members. The hospital is limiting visitors to his room to immediate family only. We praise God for His work and ongoing healing. We will be sure to keep you updated.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Dr. Rick Christman

CIU Executive Vice President 

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November 9, 2022

Dear CIU Family,

As some of you know, CIU President Mark Smith was admitted to the hospital last Thursday, November 3, for pain and weakness.

Last night, Dr. Smith developed a blood clot that traveled to his brain, and he underwent surgery this morning to reduce the pressure. His family is with him at the hospital.

I'd like to call the CIU family to prayer on behalf of Dr. Smith and his family.  Updates will be given via email and social media as information is available.

Dr. Rick Christman

CIU Executive Vice President