Columbia International University Athletics

Columbia International University (CIU) has announced the hiring of Chris Johnson to serve as the Rams' head esports coach, effective immediately. A Georgia native, Johnson is no stranger to CIU; he returns to the university after serving in the school's admission department for several years. Johnson is currently employed by Ben Lippen School, helping to develop curriculum for the college preparatory school that sits under the umbrella of the university. 

Johnson's wife, Jen, is also a part of the CIU community, as she currently works as the Assistant Dean of Student Services. The couple has two boys, Ben (four years old) and Ian (ten years old). 

Johnson takes the reins of an esports program that has seen its fair share of success in its two-year history after CIU Assistant Athletic Director Scotty Grigsby instituted the program in 2021. 

Grigsby spoke on Johnson's hiring, remarking, "I am so excited to have Chris taking over the program. Just from the short time I have seen him interact with the team, I know that he is going to do a fantastic job building off what we have been able to accomplish over the last two years. Chris genuinely loves the Lord and the students of CIU, and I am looking forward to seeing him take Rams' competitive gaming to new heights!"

Johnson laid out his vision for his first year at the helm of the program, saying, "I plan to build upon the foundation left behind by founding coach Scotty Grigsby with a three-fold plan. First, establish growing trust, consistent accountability, redundant clarity, and team-wide commitment to excellence, humility, prayer, and "oneanotherness". Secondly, heighten program visibility on campus, at NACE, and in the community by strategically leveraging signage, live streams, and community service. Finally, I would like to improve the quality of life in the CIU Esports Arena for athletes." 

CIU esports currently offers two competitive gaming opportunities, Rocket League and Overwatch. The Rams compete in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the largest college esports organization in the country. 

Johnson is a graduate of Toccoa Falls College and holds both a Master's of Education and an Education Specialist postgraduate degree from CIU.