First women to complete course celebrate with ceremony

By Ireland Kost

CIU Student Writer

Women who completed Columbia International University’s first Women’s Leadership course celebrated with a graduation ceremony. The biblical program completed by 11 students over the fall semester, combines spiritual knowledge with personal application skills enabling women to lead others through their personal, God-given skill sets.

The program is led by Carol Kirkland who thanked the CIU administration for the opportunity to reach out to women in the churches and the community and “create this teaching platform where we have solid biblical content along with spiritual leadership lessons.”

Addressing the women at the ceremony in the new Jones Center, CIU Provost Dr. James Lanpher noted the importance of women throughout the Bible, including those around Jesus during His time on earth.

“They were there at His most difficult times. They were there at His crucifixion. They were there at His resurrection,” Lanpher noted.

Lanpher cited examples of biblical women who displayed leadership, including Junia, mentioned in Romans 16:7 as “great among the apostles.” He also noted that CIU itself wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the prayers of the six “praying ladies,” women who were compelled to pray for a Bible school in Columbia almost 100 years ago.

Among those who completed the course was Tammy Napolitano, who said the class showed her healing in areas she didn’t even know she needed.

“I am a leader, and it’s helping me be a better biblical leader,” Napolitano said

As Annett Halter posed for celebratory photos with loved ones, she called the class “a phenomenal experience” for her spiritual walk.

“I learned things about the Word that I never knew,” Halter said.

One assignment the women had was to construct a timeline of their lives, highlighting their strongest and weakest moments in their spiritual life.

“It was a life-altering experience with the timeline,” Halter added as she also offered her thanks to CIU for making the program possible.

For more information on Women’s Leadership Essentials, contact Women’s Leadership Program Director Carol Kirkland at carol.kirkland@ciu.edu or (803) 730-0278.

Columbia International University consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Excitement is growing on campus with increased enrollment and new academic programs such as the Master of Arts in Global Migration. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.