CIU News
Latest News
5 Reasons You Should Do a Social Media Fast
When our use of social media controls us instead of us controlling our use of social media, we become enslaved and our priorities distort to feed this new master. -Dr. Seth Scott
CIU Biology Degree: Where Faith Meets Scientific Discovery
Joshua Neath graduated from CIU in 2026 with a BS in Biology and a clear path to veterinary school. Learn how CIU’s biology program offers real research, hands-on internships, and a community that actually knows your name.
CIU’s PhD in Educational Leadership: Leading Across Cultures for God’s Kingdom
Dr. Michelle “Mikki” Schmidt spent 33 years as a missionary educator in West Africa before returning to CIU to earn her PhD in Educational Leadership. Here’s why she came back, and what the degree made possible.
CIU Assistant Athletic Director Honored
Gordie Frierson serves as the primary media contact for all Rams programs and has played a key role in increasing the department’s visibility at the local and national levels.
Intercultural Studies at CIU: From Ethiopia to the Ends of the Earth
While delivering one of Ethiopia’s most respected theological lecture series, CIU Dean Dr. Ed Smither reunited with alumni and students whose ministry leadership is helping bring Scripture to dozens of language communities across Africa.
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision: Prepare to Teach, Lead, and Shape the Future of Counseling
Expand your impact through teaching, supervision, leadership, and research. CIU’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision helps experienced counselors prepare future professionals while advancing their own calling.
A busy summer of construction and renovation at CIU
Construction of the William H. Jones Global Business & IT Center moves ahead. There have been 100-plus-degree days and the humidity that the Midlands of South Carolina is famous for has returned. But committed, hard-working construction crews on campus are moving toward completion of important projects before students return in
Dr. Smith returns from two weeks in China
Thank you for your prayers over the last two weeks. Dr. Xu, Dr. Lanpher and I had a great trip to China and your prayers were so important! We just arrived back from a mission to meet with many of the underground church leaders in this country of 1.4 billion
CIU online M.A. in Theological Studies ranks #1; M.Ed. Admin. also ranks high
CIU’s highly-ranked online programs are great for working adults. Columbia International University’s online Master of Arts in Theological Studies is #1 in the nation according to BestColleges.com, while the Master of Education in Educational Administration (M.Ed. Admin.) ranks among the top 15 in the United States. BestColleges.com ranks over 700
An “Excellent” Teacher: Dr. Sandra Young earns award
Dr. Sandra Young Columbia International University English professor Dr. Sandra Young is among the best in South Carolina. Young is CIU’s 2019 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award presented each year by South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU). Young serves as Chair of CIU’s Liberal Arts division as
Full-Tuition Lausanne Scholar is from Ethiopia
Mehari Korcho (photo provided) By Bob Holmes The 2019 recipient of a full-tuition Columbia International University scholarship desires to mobilize and equip diaspora churches in America so they can increase their engagement in the mission of God beyond their own community. Mehari Korcho is an immigrant from Ethiopia who came
Local celebrities, dignitaries join other CIU supporters for day of golf
The winning foursome included two members of the CIU golf team: Kyle Olenchuk and Jordan Hinson in the CIU polo shirts. Joining them were Joshua Lusk and George Lusk. (Photos by Kierston Smith) By Bob Holmes As Columbia International University President Dr. Mark Smith finished an opening prayer at the
Former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann fires up CIU graduates: “You are God’s handiwork!”
Former Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (Photos by Ben Rutkowski) By Naomi Balk CIU Student Writer “Commencement is my favorite day of the year,” said CIU President Dr. Mark Smith as he introduced former Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann as the CIU commencement speaker to the Class of 2019. Bachmann delivered a
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
A busy summer of construction and renovation at CIU
Dr. Smith returns from two weeks in China
An “Excellent” Teacher: Dr. Sandra Young earns award
Full-Tuition Lausanne Scholar is from Ethiopia
Intercultural Studies students minister in the neighborhood
