CIU faculty bring to the classroom deep experience that might include working among Muslims in France and North Africa, teaching leadership skills to FBI Academy instructors, or serving as teachers and administrators in both public and Christian schools.
Add in former military chaplains, experienced practicing family counselors and experts in ancient languages (to name a few) and you get just the right mix of experience and devotion to God that makes CIU a leader among the nation’s Christian universities and seminaries.
Our student/faculty ratio for undergraduates is 17 to 1. At the graduate and seminary level, it’s 12 to 1. Our educators are here because of their passion for their students and community. Interacting with them inside and outside the classroom is how our Bible-based college and seminary transforms students’ lives through developing their academics, sparking their spiritual growth and honing their ministry skills.
Director of Communications Programs, Associate Professor of Communication and Digital Media Production
Dr. Ken Rife brings a unique blend of academic training in communication and media along with over 35 years of media production experience specifically within ministry settings. He served in media
Professor of Preaching, DMin Program Director
Dr. Rogers joined the faculty of CIU’s Seminary and School of Counseling after teaching Pastoral Ministries in the Bible College until 2010; he has taught Church Ministry from 2010 until the present.
Professor of Adventure Education
Dr. Rubinson joined the faculty of CIU's Seminary & School of Counseling in 2011 and has taught Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture from that date until the present. Before coming to Columbia, he was
Professor of Clinical Counseling
Dr. Scott joined the Graduate Counseling Programs faculty of Columbia International University in 2019, serving as an Associate Professor of Counseling, Director of the PhD in Counselor Education and
Associate Provost for Online Studies - Education, CoE
B.A., Grand Rapids Baptist College; B.S.; Calvin College; M.S.E., Indiana University; Ed.D. Ball State University
Dean, College of Intercultural Studies, Professor of Intercultural Studies and History of Global Christianity
Ed Smither joined the Columbia International University faculty in 2012. Previously, he taught church history and intercultural studies at Liberty University and spent fourteen years in intercultural
Professor - European School of Culture and Theology, Korntal Campus
D.Th., University of South Africa Missionary in Tanzania for 8 years. He joined the ESCT-Faculty in 2013, teaching in the area of Intercultural Studies. He also serves as an academic advisor and
Associate Professor of Human Services
Dr. Sarah Thomas joined Columbia International University as a part-time faculty in 2019. She was promoted to full-time in 2021. Previously, Thomas was an Adjunct Professor (2002-2012) at South
Director of Choral Activities, Associate Professor of Music
Professor Bryce Thompson has served as the Director of Choral Activities at Columbia International University since 2019. Mr. Thompson is committed to music making at the highest level while
Associate Professor of Psychology
Professor Tom Vessey joined the faculty at CIU in 2019. He previously taught in the psychology department at Wheaton College, Crown College, Sterling College and Corban University. Although he grew up
Professor of Clinical Counseling
Dr. Wagner is a professor of clinical mental health counseling in CIU’s Seminary and School of Counseling.
