CIU News
Latest News
Shooting Hoops; Bringing Hope
“We’re just trying to love on them … but ultimately showing the love of Christ.” -CIU Men’s Head Basketball Coach Tony Stockman
CIU Launches New Doctor of Global Leadership Degree for Mission and Ministry Leaders
Columbia International University will launch a new Doctor of Global Leadership degree in Fall 2026. The fully online doctoral program equips mission and ministry leaders to lead multicultural teams and global organizations with biblical wisdom and strategic leadership.
Finish the Degree You Started: Flexible Online Programs for Adult Transfer Students
CIU helps adult transfer students finish their degree online with flexible programs, scholarships, and multiple start dates.
Federal Student Loan Changes – July 2026
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brings sweeping changes to federal student loans starting July 1, 2026. New borrowing caps, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans for most new borrowers, and a new repayment plan are among the most significant shifts in decades. CIU’s Financial Aid team is here to help you understand what this means for you.
Forbes Advisor: CIU’s D.B.A. One of the Best in the United States
“CIU separates itself from the other top-ranked schools with its applied doctoral project experience, built-in hands-on training that starts early in the program. Learners also benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio and personalized mentorship for one of the most immersive learning experiences available.” -Forbes Advisor
Biblical Counseling for Sports Gambling Addiction
“While sports betting and gambling is a root issue, it’s not going to be the problem that cause people to come to counseling. It’s the life falling apart all around that becomes the symptom that brings people in (for counseling.)” – Dr. Seth Scott
CIU Dining Hall under renovation; delicious menu expansion coming this fall
Renovation of the Dining Hall in the Rossi Student Center is underway. By Bob Holmes A $4 million renovation of the Columbia International University Dining Hall is underway that will feature a traditional serving line plus, a multi-station elliptical, expanding nutritional options to meet the diverse culinary needs of local
Intercultural Studies students minister in the neighborhood
Michelle Raven, PhD International Community Development Program Director By Naomi Balk CIU Student Writer “Education really happens when students are on the field,” said Dr. Ed Smither, dean of CIU’s College of Intercultural Studies (ICS), as he introduced ICS students who have ministered locally over the past school year. These
CIU students excited to meet their scholarship donors
CIU students (left to right) Joseph Knight, Romulo Barreto and Thomas Izaguirre meet scholarship donor H.L. Allen.CIU students excited to meet their scholarship donors Annual luncheon brings students and donors face-to-face By Bob Holmes David Wolff calls it “one of the highlight days” of his year. Wolff and his wife
President Mark Smith announces major expansion of CIU music department and creation of 100 voice CIU choir – thanks to generous gift!
Exciting News! Greetings CIU Alumni, Over the last year Dr. Lanpher, Dr. Beyer, and I have been evaluating places where we can see increases in quality, in enrollment, and in spiritual impact for CIU. One area that we identified to focus on is the area of our Music department. We
News Conference: Partnership with neighborhoods to spur economic development
CIU President Dr. Mark Smith addresses news conference. (See entire news conference on CIU’s Facebook page.) A partnership between Columbia International University and neighborhood leaders in North Columbia has reached a milestone that will transform blighted, crime-attracting properties on Monticello Road into commercially viable properties that will enhance the area’s
CIU president exhorts students to lead with courage
CIU President Dr. Mark Smith chats with students at a spring semester welcome event. (Photo by Kierston Smith) By Naomi Balk CIU Student Writer Columbia International University President Dr. Mark Smith welcomed the student body back this semester with the challenge to be leaders. “God’s calling you to be the
CIU President Dr. Mark Smith attends gubernatorial inauguration; makes connection
CIU President Dr. Mark Smith and First Lady Debbie Smith were guests at the Inaugural Ball, under the bright lights of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. As a band played stirring patriot music at the inauguration of South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, an announcer called out the name of individuals
Alumni “come home” to celebrate growth, pray for CIU
Dr. Y. Armanious receives the 2018 CIU Alumnus of the Year Award from Alumni Association Leadership Council President Edith Parks as CIU President Dr. Mark Smith looks on. (Photo by Kierston Smith) By Naomi Balk and Joseph Knight CIU Student Writers A lot has changed on the Columbia International University
Opening Convocation: Passionate Message on Building the Church
CIU President Dr. Mark Smith delivers the convocation message “Build my Church.” (Photos by Caleb Pringle, CIU student photographer) President Mark Smith delivers first message in renovated Shortess Chapel By Naomi Balk CIU Student Writer Columbia International University Dean Dr. Bryan Beyer blew the shofar as the sound resounded through
CIU a Top School for Military
For the second year in a row “Military Advanced Education” (MAE) magazine has awarded Columbia International University the designation of a Top School in its 2015 “MAE Guide to Colleges & Universities,” measuring best practices in military and veteran education. The Guide is a comprehensive research tool for service members
Intercultural Studies students minister in the neighborhood
CIU students excited to meet their scholarship donors
CIU president exhorts students to lead with courage
Alumni “come home” to celebrate growth, pray for CIU
Opening Convocation: Passionate Message on Building the Church
