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Introducing David Blanchard
David Blanchard, a 2009 graduate of Columbia International
University, is the new director of Residence Life at CIU.
Blanchard comes to CIU from Lifeshape Foundation which
“facilitates the holistic development of young women and men
who have a passionate walk and authentic personal relationship
with Christ.” Blanchard tells us about himself and offers his
thoughts on his new position in this Q&A.
Where are you originally from?
I was born right outside Chicago, but I grew up in Raleigh,
North Carolina and would consider that home. I have also
spent some time living in the Atlanta area, in South Korea, and
most recently, in Brazil.
What is it like to be working back at your alma mater?
I feel really privileged to be back at CIU. I learned so much
during my time here and was significantly influenced, not only
by my classes, but by the men and women who served here
and invested in me. I think it is an exciting time to be at CIU,
and I’m thankful for the opportunity to invest both in the lives
of current students and in the future of the university.
Describe how you perceive your role as director of
residence life.
One of the things I really appreciate about CIU is the fact
that Residence Life has always been about much more than
just housing placements. The residence halls are a place
where spiritual formation takes place and real life ministry
happens, where students learn how to live in community with
one another and how to love one another well. As director of
Residence Life, I see my role as being primarily about serving
those students, developing the teams that shepherd them, and
staying open and attentive to what the Lord desires to do here.
Ultimately, this is a role about making disciples.
What aspect of the job are you most looking forward to?
I am really passionate about leadership development, and I
love working with teams. So one thing I am looking forward
to is the time I will get to spend with the resident assistants
and the Freshman Leadership Team. I am also excited to be a
part of the broader Student Life Team and to work with them
on developing creative strategies for serving students and
cultivating community on campus.
CAMPUS LIFE
How has your
background with
Lifeshape Foundation
equipped you for this
new role?
During that time, I
had the privilege of
working with some
incredible people,
and learned so much
about things like
leveraging influence,
the importance of a
compelling vision,
characteristics of a
healthy organization,
and what true servant-
leadership looks like.
Most importantly
though, I think the
Lord used my time with
Lifeshape to stretch
me into some new
maturities as a young
leader and to develop
my love for the gospel
in new ways.
What is the most
important life lesson
God has been
teaching you since
your graduation from
CIU?
I remember being a
student, listening to
former professor Cliff
Bedell speak in Chapel
about the way Moses’
face shone after having
been in the Lord’s presence, and comparing that with the
radiance that should be present in the life of the believer who
has God’s Spirit dwelling in them. That thought has continued
to stir in my heart and mind over the years, and I have begun
to see so clearly that God’s presence always transforms. What’s
amazing to me is that, as disciples of Jesus, we have been
given His Spirit, and instructed to carry His presence into all
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CAMPUS LIFE
CIU Today
Fall 2015