Columbia International University President Dr. Mark Smith is on a 20-mile hike along the South Carolina coast with Tom Mullikin, the president of Global Eco Adventures (GEA) just ahead of World Ocean Day on June 8. Mullikin is a CIU doctoral student developing what he calls, “a theology of ecology.”

GEA will host SOUTH CAROLINA COASTAL CLEANUP in Myrtle Beach as part of GEA’s ongoing series of statewide trash and debris “cleanups” and as the only thus-far state-registered event commemorating World Ocean Day.

“World Ocean Day is an internationally recognized day that encourages the education and implementation of worldwide sustainable development goals in terms of our oceans and seas, bringing about greater conviction in the protection of the ocean and the sustainable management of its resources,” Mullikin said in a news release.

Mullikin is also planning for the month-long SOUTH CAROLINA 7 (SC7) expedition across the Palmetto State from the mountains to the sea with mini clean-up events along the way.

As for this week’s walk, President Smith is using the time to pray with fellow hikers for revival at CIU, Ben Lippen School and the nation.

“I am pushing myself both physically and spiritually to humble myself before God,” Smith posted on Facebook. “May God be glorified. Join me in prayer.”

Read more about the work of GEA and Tom Mullikin at the website of Midlandsbiz.

With record enrollment in 2020, 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. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary at (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024 or www.ciu.edu.