By Bob Holmes

“What do you think of the renovated Fisher Building?” asked the professor.

“Wonderful!” shouted one student. Others applauded. Some never stopped smiling from the moment they walked in.

Not your typical 8 a.m. class experience.

That’s how the fall semester started for Dr. Mike Naylor’s Theology 1 class, one of the first classes held in the newly renovated Fisher Building, the primary classroom facility for Columbia International University’s undergraduate students.

Construction crews labored over a very hot summer to get the building ready just in time for the 2018-2019 school year.

“It looks so nice and fancy,” said sophomore McKenzie Jewette from the third row of Fisher 102.

“It looks very modern,” added Hope McLendon, another sophomore.  

The latest in Smartboard technology is now at the fingertips of professors such as Naylor, who says the $2 million in renovations improve the learning environment for students in “a more comfortable atmosphere.”

“It looks like a really modern classroom,” echoed sophomore Andrew Barnes.

The seating and carpeting is new and the lighting and air conditioning/heating improved. An elevator is still being installed.

As class got underway, Naylor asked his students to name the highlight of their summer break. One student who lives in Columbia said his highlight was watching “all the construction” that took place over the summer. And there was a lot to see.  

The Fisher Building is just one of several summer renovations at CIU. Finishing touches are being added to Shortess Chapel and the Administration Building. Meanwhile, development of a $1 million Mondotrack that will encircle the Ben Lippen School football field is also in its final stages. The Olympic-style track will be used by both Ben Lippen and CIU track & field teams. Also, the new women’s softball field is taking shape and will be ready in time for the inaugural season this spring, and construction is well underway on the new William H. Jones Global Business & IT Center which is scheduled to open next year.

“We are grateful for the renovations here in Fisher,” Naylor prayed as class began. “As we look ahead, may this be a place of knowledge and spiritual formation in years to come.”  

CIU is experiencing growth in enrollment and has announced $25 million in expansion plans for the campus. More information on enrollment is available here or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.