CIU News

  • Kaitlyn Thompson sorts clothes at the Salvation Army thrift shop. (Photos by Kierston Smith)

    CIU Students Serve the City

    By Bob Holmes

    Columbia International University athlete Josh Ford says he averages about 15,000 steps each day. But on the morning of CIU’s Serving Cola City project, he had already hit 10,000 steps by 10:30 as his 15-member clean-up team worked along Monticello Road, picking up litter and clearing...
  • Myquillyn Smith, "The Nester," signs books for CIU students. (Photos by Kierston Smith)

    Nationally-Known Home Styling Expert “The Nester” Visits CIU

    By Kierston Smith

    Social Media influencer Myquillyn Smith, visited Columbia International University to share her expertise on all things “Home.”

    Known online as “The Nester,” the New York Times bestselling author and home styling expert spoke to students in the...
  • Sarah Causey performs at Acousta 2021 (Photos by Renee Laine, CIU Student Photographer)

    Top-Notch Student Talent on Display at Acousta 2021

    By Alex Brickey

    CIU Student Writer

    The 2021 edition of Columbia International University’s annual AcoustaRockaRappaPaloozaStockFest, better known as Acouta, was a red carpet event featuring some of the finest talent on campus.

    With the student body dressed in formal and semi-formal wear, sparkling grape juice and popcorn in hand, the lights...
  • Making friends: Michelle and Rui Cao host the CIU President's Cabinet at M Grille.

    CIU Friendships Expanding in the Community

    Columbia International University’s community outreach has expanded as it develops friendships with many people in the Columbia area, including prominent business leaders.

    Michelle Cao and her husband Rui were the gracious hosts of CIU President Dr. Mark Smith, his cabinet, as well as CIU Board Chairman Hans Finzel at the Cao’s new restaurant M Grille on...
  • CIU's fifth president Dr. George W. Murray writes on the divinity of Jesus.

    A Biblical Defense on the Divinity of Jesus from a former CIU President

    The shocking news was first released by “Relevant” magazine in a September 2020 article titled: “Report: A Third of American Evangelicals Don't Believe Jesus Was God.”

    This news was based on a nationwide study from Ligonier Ministries in partnership with LifeWay Research published at stateoftheology.com. Upon hearing this...
  • Dr. Johnny Miller celebrates after "ceremonial first pitch" at the dedication of the baseball and softball fields. (Photos by Kierston Smith)

    Baseball and Softball Fields Dedicated to Johnny and Jeanne Miller

    CIU will also soon “Turn on the Lights” for night baseball

    By Bob Holmes

    "Anybody got a radar gun?"

    That’s what Columbia International University Baseball Coach Jonathan Johnson joked as he assumed the catcher’s position and received a strike right down...
Aden Corley, a freshman in the Bible Teaching program, handles a saw during clean up in Lake Charles.
CIU students roll up their sleeves to minister after...
Columbia International University junior Kaylyn Stewart says the people of Lake Charles, Louisiana feel forgotten over a month after enduring Hurricane Laura, one of the strongest storms to ever hit... Read More
CIU English Program Director Dr. Sandra Young opens "Responses to Injustice" series. (Photos by Johnathan Rabon, CIU Student Photographer)
African American Literature series explores “Responses...
By Joshua Ford
CIU Student Writer
When the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. James Lanpher, told his faculty members of his plan to do a seminar series on racial injustice, Professor Dr... Read More
CIU track and cross country coach Jud Brooker lines up his shot. (Photos by Kierston Smith)
A great day of competition and laughter at the CIU...
By Bob Holmes
As golf carts carrying 116 golfers headed for the links at the Columbia Country Club, claps and cheers went up from dozens of volunteers at the annual CIU Golf Classic — as well as some... Read More
Dr. Ken Blackwell of the Family Research Council. (Photos by Nathaniel Rabon, CIU student photographer)
A challenge to choose community over chaos
By Alex Brickey
CIU Student Writer
“I challenge you at this time in 2020, perhaps one of the most disruptive times in history, to answer the question about what will you choose: chaos or community?”... Read More
Manuel Espina speaks to the Theology of Missions class. (Photo by Kierston Smith)
Former Guatemalan ambassador brings valuable...
By Bob Holmes
Manuel Espina has served as an ambassador — in more ways than one.
For over two years Espina served as Guatemala’s ambassador to the United States. Today, he still represents his... Read More
CIU President Dr. Mark Smith with Darryl Strawberry.
CIU students, president travel to D.C. to pray for...
By Bob Holmes

Over two dozen Columbia International University students, President Dr. Mark Smith and other CIU administrators joined tens of thousands on the National Mall who were crying out to... Read More
Dr. Michael Avery speaks at the Christian Life Conference. (Photos by Nathaniel Rabon CIU Student Photographer
Christian Life Conference 2020: Going Deep with God
By Alexander Brickey

CIU Student Writer

The Columbia International University student body gathered together in prayer and glorifying God through worship at the annual Christian Life Conference... Read More
CIU students celebrate a record enrollment.
Record Enrollments at CIU and Ben Lippen School
The upward enrollment trend at Columbia International University and Ben Lippen School continues in record breaking fashion. CIU’s enrollment has increased four straight years. A total of 2,145... Read More
The Rams get shields ready.
Rams basketball helping local school get ready for...
Several members of the CIU men’s basketball team took time to help the local elementary school get ready for the return of in-class learning during the COVID era. The Rams travelled down Monticello... Read More
Dr. Michael Avery opens the Christian Life Conference.
CIU Going Deeper at Christian Life Conference 2020
By Alex Brickey

CIU Student Writer

The students swayed back and forth like grass in the wind as they sang praises to their God. It was a brief reminder that while the flowers fade and the grass... Read More
John Dabeck prays for the troops at Fort Jackson in Columbia.
Five-Year B.A./M.Div. is a “Blessing” and “Perfect”...
By Bob Holmes
The first graduate of Columbia International University’s 5-Year B.A./M.Div. calls the program “an absolute blessing.”
For John Dabeck, who completed his final credits over the summer... Read More
Dr. John C. Maxwell at CIU
Dr. John Maxwell offers powerful messages on leadership
By Alexander D. Brickey

CIU Student Writer

“You must know your people to grow your people.”

That’s what Dr. John Maxwell advised a leadership forum at Columbia International University.

Maxwell... Read More

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