By Bob Holmes

Women have had a major impact on Columbia International University since its founding. As a matter of fact, it would not exist today if it were not for a small group of Columbia area “Praying Women” in the early 1920s who asked God for a Bible school in the South educating and training Bible teachers to reach families in the expanding textile mill villages during that era. By 1923, Columbia Bible School was born, today known as CIU.

Women continue to have an important role in the life of CIU, including three women who sit on The President’s Cabinet, also known around campus as the TPC: Silvia Lucaschi-Decker serves as vice president for enrollment and marketing; Michele Branch-Frappier is vice president for information technology; and Diane Mull serves as executive director of institutional advancement. Together they have nearly 60 years of professional experience in their fields, most of it in higher education. All three women describe their CIU experience as challenging and rewarding.

Lucaschi-Decker, who is working on a Ph.D. in Higher Education, says the people of CIU is what makes her job the most gratifying.

“I thoroughly enjoy working with the TPC members, the deans and the rest of the faculty members and the staff in other offices who provide services that are so vital to our prospective students and current students,” Lucaschi-Decker said. “They are competent, creative, and kind. It is neat to see people with different talents work together to support the mission of the university.”

Branch-Frappier has been in the IT field for over 35 years, serving in several roles at CIU for 12 years. She also holds a master’s degree from CIU’s seminary, Columbia Biblical Seminary. While she continues to improve the effectiveness of IT services at CIU, she also desires to pass along her knowledge to others.

“I’m passionate about developing and mentoring CIU students and younger IT professionals to assume responsibility for leading the next generation of technology initiatives,” Branch-Frappier said.

Mull first became familiar with CIU when her husband Andy enrolled as a seminary student in 1991 and she served as president of the Wives Fellowship on campus. She is in her seventh year directing Institutional Advancement where her degree in Communications from Messiah College has served her well. Mull is a recipient of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education award in Alumni Relations. She says being a part of CIU’s mission is humbling and exciting. 

“To think of those who laid the strong foundation and left a legacy – to be a part of that is a privilege,” Mull said.  

The late CIU President Robertson McQuilkin used to tell the story about his interview with an academic accrediting agency who wanted to know if women had a significant role at the university. He recounted for them CIU’s history beginning with the “Praying Women” and quipped that women have always had keys roles at CIU even from very beginning.  

CIU has announced $25 million in expansion plans for the campus, including construction of the $20 million William H. Jones Global Business and IT Center. Information on CIU programs and enrollment is available here or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024. CIU is accredited by SACS-COC.