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.
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. David DeWitt is a biomedical scientist with over 25 years of higher education experience including 9 years chairing the department of biology and chemistry at Liberty University prior to joining
Associate Professor, Business Administration
PhD, Organizational Leadership, Columbia International University 2021 MBA, Baylor University BA, Southern Methodist University
Director of EIMI - European School of Culture and Theology, Korntal Campus
Dr. theol., Kirchliche Hochschule Wuppertal/Bethel, M.A., Columbia International University, M.A. in Theology, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg Yassir Eric is an outstanding expert on Islam, not
Professor of Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture
Dr. Karen Grant joined the CIU faculty in 2001 and continues to teach Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture courses. Previously she served as the Director of Student Activities at a public university in
Professor of New Testament and PhD Program Director
Dr. Harvey joined the faculty of Columbia Biblical Seminary in 1991 and taught New Testament and Greek until 2011, when he became dean. In 2021 he moved to the role of PhD program director. He is a
Associate Professor, Business Administration
Dr. Hays brings over eighteen years experience as a professor in higher education and more than fifteen years experience in leadership, management, healthcare administration, and business
Teacher Education Program Director, Professor of Education
Dr. Hoekstra joined the College of Education at CIU in 2012. She had 16 years’ experience teaching in Christian schools in Michigan and California before receiving her Ed.D. in teaching and learning
Professor of Education
Michael Johnson joined the Columbia International University faculty in 2022. From 2016–2022 he served as Alaska’s Commissioner of Education. Before becoming Alaska’s Commissioner, Dr. Johnson served
Professor of Counseling
Dr. Johnson moved to Columbia after serving as a director of care and counseling for 17 years. He is currently serving as the president of the board of at the Albert Ellis Institute for cognitive
Associate Professor of Nursing
Rebecca Kemfort is a native of Lexington, SC, and began her nursing career at Midlands Technical College, receiving an Associate of Science degree in 2004 and Associate in Nursing in 2008. Rebecca got
