Columbia International University (CIU) is pleased to announce the hiring of Justin Carver as the new Director of Track & Field and Cross Country. Carver brings more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience, a championship pedigree, and a Christ-centered leadership style that aligns seamlessly with CIU's mission of developing student-athletes both athletically and in their personal walk with Jesus.
Carver joins CIU after an accomplished tenure at York University in Nebraska, where he served as Head Coach for Track & Field and Cross Country since 2011. Under his leadership, the program produced 14 NAIA All-Americans, over 150 NCCAA All-Americans, and 26 NCCAA National Champions. He was recognized 11 times as the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC) Coach of the Year, twice as the Kansas Collegiate Athletics Conference (KCAC) Coach of the Year, and twice as the NCCAA National Coach of the Year. Carver was also named the York University Staff Member of the Year in 2025.
"Justin is an incredible fit for CIU — competitively, culturally, and spiritually," said CIU Director of Athletics
Stefan Vasiloff. "His track record of success speaks volumes, but even more compelling is his heart for discipleship and his passion for helping student-athletes grow in their faith while excelling in their sport. We are thrilled to welcome him and his family to Columbia."
"God is good! After nearly two decades of incredible memories, growth, and relationships, it's time to turn the page," said Carver. "I'm deeply grateful for the journey and the people who've been part of it. While it's never easy to leave a place that's meant so much, I'm excited for the new challenges and opportunities ahead. CIU is a special place, I'm excited to be a part of it. I have high expectations for myself and the program as we move forward. As I close a chapter of my life that has shaped nearly two decades of my career, I've got a pen in hand ready for God to direct what He has in store to write in this next chapter. Let's EAT."
Beyond his coaching accolades, Carver is also the founder of Citius Speed & Agility Training, a program focused on character development through athletic performance. He has a certification in Personal Fitness Training and holds USA Track & Field coaching credentials. Carver has also served as the NCCAA National Chair for Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor Track, and has been York University's Assistant Athletic Director since 2016.
Carver holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University, where he competed on the track & field team. As a collegiate athlete, he qualified for nationals in more than 15 different events and earned NCCAA All-American honors five times — three times in the Long Jump, once in the Indoor Triple Jump, and once in the Decathlon. He was also a national runner-up in both the Indoor and Outdoor Long Jump, as well as in the Decathlon.
A native of Boys Ranch, Texas, Justin has been actively involved in ministry, preaching regularly at local churches since 2023. He and his wife Joanna have two daughters, Shiloh and Kyah.
