08/07/2026
☀️This summer, CIU faculty and staff experienced God's faithfulness through travel, ministry, family milestones, and rest.
Now, they're excited to welcome everyone back for a new semester.
Take a look at their summer highlights!
🏰Dr. Amy DuBois, dean of the Cook School of Business, traveled from a scenic cross in Edinburgh and castle sunsets in Ireland to a West End show in London and a rooftop garden visit with alumni Johnny (’21) and Christina (’22).
💒Dr. Joe LeTexier, professor of TESOL & Linguistics, celebrated his daughter Hannah's graduation from CIU and her wedding to fellow CIU grad Trey (’26) this summer.
⛵Dr. Kim Quarles, mentor and adjunct faculty for CIU Global, took two big trips this summer — a Nile River cruise with extensions to Turkey and Jordan, including a visit to Petra, and a cruise around Japan with stops in Nara and Nagasaki.
🥽Dr. Mike Galdamez, faculty and Engage program director for the Seminary and School of Counseling, celebrated his daughter's high school graduation and enjoyed a family vacation in Cozumel, Mexico this summer.
✝Dr. Steve Hays, associate professor of Business Administration, and his wife, Karin, spent nearly nine weeks in the Highlands of Scotland working with the Centre for Rural Ministry, where Steve preached fifteen sermons across six churches.
📖Karin Hays, College of Education office manager, and her husband, Steve, spent nearly nine weeks in Scotland working with the Centre for Rural Ministry, where she led women's Bible studies in Skye and Thurso.
⚽Dr. Victor Cuartas, professor of Intercultural Studies, celebrated his daughter's graduation with family in Colombia, traveled to Thailand for Global Leadership planning meetings with Crossover Global, and dreamed of his favorite team winning the World Cup 2026.
🌴Dr. Seth Scott, assistant dean of the Seminary and School of Counseling and professor of Counselor Education, kicked off his summer with the School of Counseling residency, took his wife on vacation to Cancun, served with his son and daughter at Mountain Top Youth Camp, then worked on some home remodeling projects, including trip to Florida to repaint his in-laws’ house. He finished it off with prepping for fall classes and writing chapters for a book on biblical worldview in counselor education.
😎Cynthia Villar, director of the Business & Career Development Center (BCDC) and adjunct faculty, spent her summer on a Disney trip with her daughter, filming BCDC videos in Greenville, hosting the Christians in Business networking event, supporting the BeeMonde Summer Camp, and working with CIU Dean Amy DuBois.
✈️April Small, office and operations manager for CIU Global, traveled to India this summer to support a special family going through the adoption process, then headed to the Great Lakes for her first Chicago dog and visited Kitch-iti-kipi in the UP.
🚲Dr. Ed Smither, dean of the School of Missions and Intercultural Ministry and professor of History of Global Christianity, celebrated his daughter's graduation and his ordination as a priest in the Anglican Church in North America, while finishing edits on his upcoming book Reformation Anglican Mission.
🦁Dr. Ryan Klejment-Lavin, associate professor of Intercultural Studies, went on a hunting safari in South Africa with his father, which was an unforgettable trip.
⭐Casey Sharpe, assistant director of Campus Visits and Events, organized Admitted Student Days and campus visits with the Admissions team. She also enjoyed some beach days and time with her son, Levi, and dog, Blue.
☀️Brittany Newell, admissions operations specialist, spent two and a half weeks in China with her husband and youngest daughter, where they visited their current Ben Lippen homestay student, Mike, and reconnected with former homestay student, James.
🚵♀️Dawn Faber-Busto, production manager for University Communications, spent her summer vacationing with family in Massanutten, Virginia, relaxing at Folly Beach, biking through Banff, Canada, and enjoying time with family in Charlotte, NC.
🌊The CIU Custodial Team spent the summer preparing campus for summer camps, managing dorm turnovers, and getting ready for students' return. They celebrated the season's end with a team outing at Lake Murray, giving thanks for the friendships and unity built through their shared service.
