CIU Celebrates Faculty/Staff

CIU Celebrates Faculty/Staff

Distinguished Faculty/Staff: Professor Dr. Kevin McWilliams and his wife Lainie, a staff member (photo by Timothy Wolff, student photographer)

Distinguished Faculty/Staff, Professor Emeritus titles conferred; Lee Morris Sr. retires after a half century of service    

By Melissa McCutchan

CIU Student Writer

Columbia International University students, faculty and staff gathered as a body to honor CIU employees in a special Chapel on April 11. 

Most awards were given based on length of service at CIU – from five to 35 years. But there were also special honors.   

CIU Alumni Ministries awarded its annual Distinguished Faculty/Staff Award to professor Dr. Kevin McWilliams and his wife Lainie McWilliams. 

Dr. McWilliams came to CIU in 1996 to develop the undergraduate Intercultural Studies program and created the popular Progress of Redemption course.

Lainie McWilliams serves as an administrative assistant in the Student Life Office, and was noted for her sweet spirit.

Professors Don Hamilton and William Larkin, who are preparing to retire at the end of this semester, were recognized for their service - 31 years and 38 years, respectively. They were awarded the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus. Hamilton came to CIU in 1982. Though he is officially retiring, he will continue to teach preaching in CIU Seminary & School of Ministry. Larkin joined CIU’s faculty in 1975.

“Dr. Larkin has given himself wholeheartedly in equipping students to impact the nations, while infecting them with a desire to handle the Bible well,” CIU Provost Dr. James Lanpher said. “This year, as we looked for a replacement, we determined it would actually take two people to fill his shoes,” Lanpher joked.

And finally, CIU announced the retirement of beloved physical plant worker, Lee Morris Sr. As he leaves on May 31, Morris will have served the CIU community for 51 years, four months, and one day.

In 1962, CIU needed help moving its campus from downtown Columbia, to its current location on Monticello Road. Morris was hired as a temporary worker to move furniture, and was later promoted to full time. He has been employed at CIU ever since.