Columbia International University (CIU) News

CIU Professor Advises African Church Leaders on Islam

bholmes — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:08:46 +0000

A Columbia International University Professor of Muslim Studies is advising a group hoping to revive the churches in East Africa. Church leaders there are concerned about a growing threat of Islam in the region.

Professor David Cashin is offering his knowledge and expertise to the East Africa Revival Network which is headed by one of Cashin's former colleagues - Anglican Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo of Rwanda. Bilindabagabo is a former CIU missionary-in-residence.

Former Dean Going Strong at Age 95

bholmes — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:06:56 +0000

A former Columbia International University dean is still going strong at age 95.

Peter Letchford has a long resume that includes missionary to Africa, church pastor, and dean of the Graduate School of Missions at Columbia Bible College, now CIU Seminary & School of Ministry.

Letchford is still active in ministry, serving as a Bible teacher at First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Ga. His long commitment to ministry caught the attention of The Augusta Chronicle. Check it out at:

Columbia Mayor Visits CIU Prison Initiative

bholmes — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:34:30 +0000

The mayor of South Carolina’s capital city encouraged the student-inmates in the CIU Prison Initiative to share “the love of Jesus Christ,” which is “an awesome and responsibility and opportunity.”

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin toured the facilities of the CIU program that trains qualified South Carolina inmates to minister throughout the state prison system as they earn a CIU Associate of Arts degree. The program is housed at the Kirkland Correctional Institution, part of a sprawling prison facility just across the Broad River from CIU’s main campus in Columbia.

Despres Receives Kingdom Impact Award; Kudos from Coach of Gamecocks

bholmes — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:04:31 +0000

“He may be one of the best preachers you’ll ever hear.”

That’s what University of South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier says about Adrian Despres, the guest chaplain of Spurrier’s Gamecocks football team. Spurrier made a brief, surprise appearance at the Feb. 14 Chapel of Columbia International University to congratulate Despres as he was being honored with the annual Kingdom Impact Award from CIU’s Alumni Ministries.

CIU Alumna Wins Grammy Award

bholmes — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:18:22 +0000

Christian singer/songwriter Laura Story, a 2003 graduate of Columbia International University, earned a Grammy for her song “Blessings,” which she wrote and recorded. Story received the award in the Best Contemporary Christian Song category during the afternoon ceremonies at The 54th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 12 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Story, a native of Spartanburg, S.C. told the Spartanburg Herald-Journal that she was “just so shocked” after walking the red carpet with her husband Martin Elvington to receive the honor.

First Annual Discover CIU 5K & Fun Run a Success

bholmes — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:19:17 +0000

The First Annual Discover CIU 5K & Fun Run brought together students, faculty, and staff from Columbia International University and Ben Lippen School, as well as members of the community. The Feb. 4 event was hosted by CIU Rams Athletics and organized by CIU Cross Country Coach Jud Brooker.

Over 50 people participated in the 5K. The course winds through CIU’s 400-acre campus which includes seven miles of cut shady trails.

The winner was 54-year-old Geary McAlister with a time of 23:42.

History: First Intercollegiate Athlete Signs to Play for CIU Rams

bholmes — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:45:21 +0000

For the first time in 89 years, a high school athlete has committed to play a sport at Columbia International University. Soccer stand out Daniel Mallard of Greensboro, N.C. becomes the first intercollegiate athlete to commit to the CIU Rams, as the school fields its first teams in intercollegiate athletics this fall.

Phase II Construction Begins at Pine View Apartments

bholmes — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:39:26 +0000

Construction of Phase II of Pine View Apartments at Columbia International University is underway. Workers and heavy equipment are now on site leveling the ground for approximately 100 more apartment homes featuring one-bedroom efficiencies, one- and two-bedroom apartments and a Community Center.

For CIU Student, Political Views Informed by Spiritual Beliefs

bholmes — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:32:36 +0000

Every four years, South Carolina makes national headlines as it hosts the First in the South, Republican Presidential Primary. News reporters from around the world converge on The Palmetto State to cover the candidates and find out what South Carolina voters are thinking. One of those voters who caught the attention of the media this year was Columbia International University student Matthew Saxon. Saxon, who also manages a Moe's restaurant in Columbia, took a break from making burritos to talk with reporters

CIU Alumnus Lends Hand to Minority-Owned Businesses

bholmes — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:21:45 +0000

Columbia International University alumnus Garry James is the head of a new minority outreach program at the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers. James, who earned a Master of Divinity degree from CIU in 2001, credits his education at CIU and two other institutes of higher education in the Carolinas for preparing him to work with both secular and faith-based communities.