Chariti Mealing of Elgin, South Carolina first heard about Columbia International University when she was in middle school while listening to WMHK, a radio station that CIU owned at that time.

“I felt that God was leading me to come (to CIU) more clearly while I was in high school, and I am thankful to have obeyed His leading,” Mealing said. “My relationship with God has grown tremendously since being here.”

And because she heard about CIU on the radio, it only makes sense that she is majoring in Communication — wanting to communicate Christ as a freelance video editor after graduation, digitally spreading the gospel to the nations through mission organizations. That’s why CIU’s Bible classes have been very important to her

“All of the Bible and theology classes have challenged me to go deeper in my walk with Christ and have impacted how I share Christ with others,” Mealing said. “Through being here I have grown in the aspect of wanting to better understand the Scriptures and be a true servant-hearted believer.”

Dr. John Crutchfield’s class on Psalms was one of her favorites.

“Taking that class was so beneficial for my spiritual growth,” Mealing said. “I learned so much about how to read the Psalms and what implications they have for today. It was amazing to see the beauty of that book.”

But outside class, it is often the friendships that make a big impact on a life and assist in spiritual growth.   

“The relationships that I have built here at CIU are something I am eternally grateful for,” Mealing concluded. “It is important to be surrounded with like-minded believers who are in the same season of life pursuing a college education.”   

A spring 2023 student satisfaction survey identified the factor most important to CIU students and CIU’s top strength as “My relationship with God has been strengthened.” 

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.