Columbia International University (CIU) has officially launched a chapter of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International, one of the most prestigious organizations in the counseling profession. CSI is known for promoting academic excellence, clinical competency, professional identity and servant leadership among counseling students, alumni and faculty.
With this new chapter, CIU’s Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling and PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision students will now have exclusive access to expanded professional development, leadership pathways, service opportunities and national networking that strengthens their preparation for lifelong impact.
Strengthening Professional Identity for Counselors-in-Training
Dr. Steve Stuhlreyer, Professor of Counselor Education and Director of CIU’s CES PhD Program, spearheaded the effort to bring CSI to CIU. For him, launching the chapter is about more than an honor; it’s about shaping future leaders in the counseling profession.
“We want our students to be excellent clinical counselors, educators and researchers but also strong professionals and leaders,” Dr. Stuhlreyer said. “Starting a Chi Sigma Iota chapter at CIU gives them opportunities to grow, network nationally and expand their vision for how God can use them in counseling.”
Alongside Dr. Stuhlreyer, Dr. Karen Herzel, Professor of Counseling, played a key role in establishing the chapter.
“CSI encourages students to pursue excellence with integrity,” Dr. Herzel said. “This chapter will enrich our community by connecting students with mentors, practitioners and meaningful service experiences.”
Opportunities Ahead: Networking, Leadership and Specialized Training
The new CSI chapter is launching with a lineup of high-impact opportunities for both students and alumni, including:
- Professional networking events with local and regional counselors
- Guest speakers and expert panels featuring practitioners across specialty areas
- Training and workshop opportunities to explore advanced topics in the counseling field
- Leadership pathways for students interested in shaping the profession
- Encouragement and support for attending conferences with CIU faculty
These experiences are designed to align with CIU’s mission of preparing counselors who excel clinically and lead with Christ-centered purpose.
First Induction Ceremony Coming Soon
CIU’s newest honor society will host its first CSI induction ceremony in the coming months, welcoming high-achieving counseling students who demonstrate academic and professional excellence.
Students interested in getting involved can contact the chapter’s leadership team:
- Dr. Shenika Jones Cotton, Chapter Faculty Advisor — shenika.jones@ciu.edu
- Joanna Williams, Chapter President — joanna.williams@ciu.edu
More information about eligibility, upcoming events and membership guidelines will be shared with counseling students throughout the semester.
A Milestone for CIU’s Counseling Community
The launch of the CSI chapter marks a significant investment in CIU’s commitment to raising up influential counselors, supervisors, scholars and servant-leaders.
“We are excited to get started,” Dr. Stuhlreyer said. “This chapter will create momentum, community and opportunities that benefit our students for years to come.”
For prospective students considering graduate counseling programs, CSI adds another powerful reason to choose CIU: a community committed to excellence, connection and Kingdom impact.
Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Request Info | Apply | Give
