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“I want to be up in front of people — leading them in the right direction.”

That’s why Columbia International University incoming freshman Brunson Price wants to be an educator.

Brunson was one of six Gilbert (South Carolina) High School students at an “Education Signing Day” ceremony at the school sponsored by the school’s Teacher Cadet program, celebrating the students’ desire to study teacher education in college — especially during a time when the nation is facing a teacher shortage.

Brunson, who will also play , was introduced to ��ο��Ƶ by alumni, including a coach on a summer American Legion baseball team who encouraged him to check out the school. Brunson’s mother Tina Price calls that “a God thing.”

“We went to visit CIU. He loved the campus. Met the (head baseball) coach there. It truly happened for a reason,” added Mrs. Price. ������

She stood alongside her son as he signed to enroll at CIU, as did ��ο��Ƶ Teacher Education Professor Dr. Joe Craft who says it is the ��ο��Ƶ faculty’s desire to support students in their spiritual giftedness and to fulfill the calling God has on their life.

“From this calling, Brunson will be given the opportunity to grow in his faith, learn valuable techniques and skills that will support his calling, and to flourish in his desire to be a positive influence on kids through academics and athletics,” Craft said. “��ο��Ƶ and the College of Education are excited for Brunson to attend in the fall, and we believe God already has a special calling on his life.”

Brunson’s voice rises with excitement when he discusses playing for the Rams under , a former pitcher who played in the Major Leagues for six years with four teams. ����

“There is nobody better that I would ever want to play for,” Brunson said. “He has been there. He has done everybody’s dream, to grow up and play in the Major Leagues. There is nobody better to learn from.” ��

As a matter of fact, Brunson’s long-term goal after college is to be a physical education teacher and a coach.

“Our coaches (at Gilbert High) have been a big part of steering me to education because they have the perfect job,” Brunson said. “They get to work with young athletes. That’s where I want to be. I want to work with younger athletes. I just think it’s so important. I’m passionate about that.”

Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online.����or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or��admissions@ciu.edu.����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������