Dr. Brian S. Simmons is the Vice President for CIU Global and Professor at Columbia International University (CIU) in Columbia, South Carolina. In his current role, Dr. Simmons serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet providing leadership for CIU.  He serves on the Board of Directors of the Center for Steward Leader Studies as the Chair and is Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Ben Lippen School.

Brian is a lifetime educator and has served as a teacher, Superintendent of two Christian schools, university Vice President, adjunct professor and association President.  Dr. Simmons’ life mission states, “Brian Simmons exists as a visionary builder to further the kingdom of God through education, teaching and influencing others.”  Dr. Simmons’ primary goal in life is to be a faithful steward of all the Master has entrusted to his care.

Following high school graduation (1978) from Elkhart Christian Academy (ECA) and graduation from Cornerstone University and Calvin College (1982), Brian returned to ECA as a mathematics teacher (1982-1989).  After teaching for seven years, he became the Superintendent  of ECA (1989-1996). While serving at ECA, Brian completed his MS in Secondary Education and earned his EdD in Educational Administration.

Following fourteen years of fruitful ministry in Elkhart, Indiana, he and his family moved to Indianapolis were he accepted the role of Superintendent of Heritage Christian School (HCS, 1996-2005).

After a decade of service at HCS, Brian accepted a new role as Vice President for University Relations at IWU (2006-2009).  Following this time at IWU, Brian served for four years as President of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI, 2009-2013).  Today, Brian serves as a senior leader at CIU (2013-present).  Brian also owns a consulting business (Nehemiah Group, LLC).  As a consultant, Brian specializes in executive coaching, strategic planning, executive searches, and leadership development.

Dr. Simmons  holds a B.A. from Cornerstone University, a B.S. Calvin College, a M.S. from Indiana University South Bend, and an Ed.D. from Ball State University. He has a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from Indiana School of Philanthropy.

He and his wife, Bonnie have four adult children: Jared, Drew, Lindi and Aubrey.  Jared is married to Mary Claire, Drew is married to Stefanie, Lindi is married to Matt, and Aubrey is married to Zach. Brian and Bonnie have twelve grandchildren.