Columbia Businessman Joins Staff at CIU

Columbia Businessman Joins Staff at CIU

Jeff Wheeler

Columbia businessman Jeffrey B. Wheeler has been named to the position of Ministry Coordinator at Columbia International University beginning Oct. 1.  Wheeler’s primary responsibilities at CIU are two-fold: Ministry and Fund Raising. 

Wheeler is the president of JB Wheeler & Company specializing in business growth and strategic planning for businesses and faith-based organizations.  He recently retired as president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker United Realtors in the Carolinas.  Wheeler has also served as the chief operating officer of the Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation headquartered in New Jersey, overseeing 2,000 franchised locations around the world.         

Wheeler began his career in real estate in 1976 with Tom Jenkins Realty in Columbia, and by 1988 became a partner and the president of the company.  He has also served as president of the Greater Columbia Association of Realtors and Consolidated Multiple Listing Service and treasurer of the South Carolina Association of Realtors.     

Wheeler’s ministry background includes serving for five years as the minister of education and administration at Shandon Baptist Church, one of the largest Baptist churches in South Carolina.  While at Shandon, he introduced several new ministries and was involved in a major capital campaign.  Wheeler has also served on numerous civic and community boards. 

CIU President Dr. Bill Jones says Wheeler’s CIU duties include assisting Jones in creating Bible study groups in the Columbia area, recruiting students for CIU’s downtown seminary classes, assisting with “Halftime” programs for people pursuing significance in the second half of life, and organizing CIU fund raising events.    

“Jeff Wheeler will be a great asset to CIU,” Jones said.  “His background and vast experience in business and ministry are a rare combination that fit perfectly at CIU as we look ahead to future growth and fulfilling our purpose of educating people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.”