Faith, Education, and Service Define a Life of Purpose
Dr. Cheryl Washington, a woman of remarkable resilience and unwavering faith, recently uncovered a historic milestone in her life’s journey. Four years after earning her Doctorate in Ministry (D.Min.) with a concentration in Leadership from Columbia International University (CIU), Dr.
Washington discovered she was, in fact, the first African American woman to achieve this distinction at the institution.
In 2011, Dr. Washington made history—though she didn’t realize it at the time. While assisting a friend with an inquiry at CIU’s registrar’s office, she casually asked about her own academic record. To her surprise, she was informed—and later received confirmation via email—that she had been the first African American female to earn a Doctorate in Ministry with a concentration in Leadership from CIU. Reflecting on the news, Dr. Washington shared that she felt “both proud and overwhelmed.”
Her journey to this achievement was anything but
easy. In her 60s at the time of her studies, Dr. Washington balanced the demands of academic rigor with the responsibilities of everyday life. A proud United States Army veteran, she served her country faithfully for 20 years before retiring and dedicating herself to helping others in the South Carolina foster care system.
Driven by compassion, Dr. Washington opened her home as a safe haven for children awaiting permanent placement, providing them with stability, love, and care. Many of those children remain in contact with her today as adults—a testament to the lasting impact of her kindness and dedication.
A devoted single mother, Dr. Washington credits her deep faith in God and the steadfast support of her son, Cary, for sustaining her through life’s challenges. She often acknowledges that his encouragement gave her strength to persevere when the road grew difficult.
