Columbia International University: A Legacy of Biblical Education and Global Impact

Columbia International University (CIU) stands as a private Christian university located in Columbia, South Carolina, with a rich history rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence. Founded in 1923, CIU has evolved from a humble Bible school to a globally recognized institution dedicated to educating students from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.

From Prayer Group to Bible School: The Founding of CIU

CIU's origins can be traced back to a prayer group of six women who sought divine guidance on how to evangelize and disciple mill workers in Columbia. In 1921, a group of faithful women known as the "praying ladies" established the Southern Bible Institute, offering classes in Bible, child study, and personal evangelism, laying the foundation for CIU’s legacy. Their efforts led to the establishment of the Southern Bible Institute, which later became Columbia Bible School in 1923. The school began classes at the historic Colonia Hotel, symbolizing its early commitment to providing accessible, Christ-centered education. This marked the beginning of a journey that would see the institution grow and develop into a prominent center for Christian education.

The McQuilken Era: Shaping the College's Identity

Robert C. McQuilken played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and direction of Columbia Bible College. In 1922, Robert Crawford McQuilken, a popular Bible conference speaker in South Carolina and elsewhere, became dean. He changed the name to Columbia Bible College when he became president in 1923. Under his leadership, the college expanded its curriculum and degree programs, offering a four-year baccalaureate degree, an M.A. in Bible Education, and additional professional programs through the affiliated Columbia Biblical Seminary and School of Missions. McQuilken's commitment to biblical teaching and his vision for training Christian leaders left an indelible mark on the institution. He was the author of several books (Victorious Life Studies, Outline and Message of Romans, Studying Our Lord’s Parables, and Can We Trust The Old Testament).

Expansion and Growth: From College to University

As Columbia Bible College grew, it underwent several significant transformations. In the 1930s, enrollment was growing, forcing administrators to look for additional space - including a suitable location for a library. The result was the purchase of two additional buildings just a block from the main campus that formerly housed a Presbyterian seminary. Graduate courses were first offered in 1936, marking the beginning of what is now CIU’s Seminary & School of Ministry. The South Carolina Board of Education approved Columbia Bible School to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Education. The institution became Columbia Bible College (CBC), cementing its role as a degree-granting higher education institution. The school moved to its present 400-acre campus in suburban Columbia in 1960 and changed its corporate name to Columbia International University in 1994. The relocation to the expansive Monticello Road campus began. With over 400 acres and the highest elevation in Columbia, SC, the campus becomes a symbol of CIU’s growth and ambition.

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

In 1963, Columbia Bible College took a courageous step by becoming the first higher education institution in South Carolina to voluntarily admit a Black student, Peter Spencer. CBC becomes the first higher education institution in South Carolina to voluntarily admit a Black student, Peter Spencer, demonstrating its commitment to evangelical unity and racial reconciliation. This decision reflected the university's commitment to evangelical unity and racial reconciliation, setting a precedent for other institutions in the region. Peter Spencer's admission to CBC, now Columbia International University (CIU), made CIU the first institution of higher education in South Carolina to voluntarily admit a black student. Spencer, who attended CIU from 1963-1965 returns to Columbia to address a Chapel service on Feb. as part of CIU’s commemoration of Black History Month. The board voted that “in the future no one be refused admission to the Bible College on the basis of race solely,” becoming the first white institution of higher education in South Carolina to voluntarily desegregate.

Read also: Columbia University Legacy

Academic Programs and Distinctives

Columbia International University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and advanced programs. Educational units offer degree programs ranging from associate level to doctoral level. All undergraduate students undertake a double major-in biblical studies and another discipline, such as psychology, communications, humanities, business and organizational leadership, intercultural studies, Middle Eastern studies, music, biblical languages, or pastoral ministries. Graduate programs are offered in such fields as education, ministry, divinity, theology, counseling, and Muslim studies. CIU is dedicated to educating students from a biblical worldview, equipping them with the knowledge, character, and skills to impact the nations with the message of Christ. All programs emphasize spiritual development, biblical training, and ministry skills development. The school’s first class boasted seven students. Today, CIU enrollment is over 2,300 students, which includes students enrolled in online programs. CIU serves students from over 46 states and 50 foreign countries.

The G. Allen Fleece Library: A Hub for Learning and Collaboration

The G. Allen Fleece Library stands as a testament to CIU's commitment to academic excellence and its core values. When Columbia Bible College moved to Monticello Road in 1960, there were no immediate plans for a library building. The library was condensed into the basement laundry room of Memorial Residence Hall. The library opened as “The Learning Resource Center” on October 3, 1968. A formal dedication followed the next month on Thanksgiving Day. The library was officially named The G. Allen Fleece Library in 1990. The G. Allen Fleece Library changed forever on May 8, 2010, when a fire caused heavy smoke damage throughout the building. The fire prompted the CIU administration to craft plans for a new, modern library. Under the leadership of CIU President Dr. Bill Jones and Senior Vice President Keith Marion, the library was renovated as a place for collaborative learning - where students interact, learn and grow together. The front entrance was redesigned to showcase the familiar relief sculpture of the open Bible, continuing to emphasize CIU’s commitment to the Authority of Scripture. The newly renovated G. Allen Fleece Library was dedicated on January 24, 2012.

Athletics at CIU: The Rams

The Columbia International (CIU) athletic teams are called the Rams. The university is a member of the Division I level of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) since the 2018-19 academic year. CIU currently competes in 13 intercollegiate athletic teams: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball. In its inaugural full season, CIU Rams baseball won the NCCAA World Series, and the Women’s Volleyball team claimed an NCCAA national championship, marking a historic year for CIU athletics. John Hunter James won back-to-back NAIA Indoor Track & Field Men’s Pole Vault National Championships, becoming CIU’s first individual national champion. Deandre Leith became an NAIA National Champion in shot put.

Ben Lippen School: A Ministry of Christian Education

The Ben Lippen School is a private, interdenominational Christian school located on the CIU campus. The prestigious Ben Lippen School moved from Asheville, NC, to the CBC campus, providing Christian education for Pre-K to 12th-grade students and expanding CBC’s educational reach. It was founded as a boarding school in Asheville, North Carolina, in the 1940s, but was moved to its current location in 1988, offering middle and high school programs. An elementary school away from the main CIU campus was begun in 1989, and in 2006, a main elementary school campus was completed on CIU grounds and classes began there in August. The schools are co-educational and feature a mix of commuting and resident students. The curriculum teaches subjects from an evangelical Christian worldview and includes Bible classes. Chapel is obligatory for students, faculty, and staff.

Doctrinal Stance and Lifestyle Standards

CIU has doctrinal affirmations and lifestyle standards which all students (regardless of degree sought) are expected to uphold as a part of admission. Some of the standards include prohibition from alcohol and tobacco. There are seven doctrinal points which students must consent to as a part of their admission to and candidacy for a degree from CIU. These are biblical inspiration, natural separation of humanity from God, salvation by grace through faith in Christ, the historical doctrine of the Trinity, the bodily resurrection of Christ from the dead, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer, and the evangelical mandate to witness to the gospel of Christ. The doctrine of Premillennialism is officially held by the school, but students are not required to adhere to this doctrine.

CIU Today: A Global Impact

Columbia International University educates people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ. CIU is multi-denominational, dedicated to preparing world Christians to serve God with excellence. In recent years, CIU has experienced significant growth and expansion. CIU celebrates 96% enrollment growth since 2019, achieving record-breaking numbers. Campus renovations include upgrades to the Rossi Student Center, Choir Room, sand volleyball and pickleball courts. The William H. Jones Global Business and IT Center was constructed, offering cutting-edge resources for business and nursing students to prepare them for global leadership. CIU cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art Health Science Lab and launched new majors in Biology and Biomedical Science to prepare students for careers in healthcare and research.

Leadership and Accreditation

CIU’s leadership team is composed of experienced educators, ministry leaders, and professionals who are committed to guiding the university with excellence, integrity, and faithfulness to God’s calling. Columbia International University upholds the highest academic and ethical standards through accreditation by recognized agencies. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Columbia International University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Columbia International University is also accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education.

Read also: Paying for Columbia

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