Will Schafer, the president of Master Automotive in Augusta, Ga. and Aiken, S.C. was elected to the Columbia International University Board of Trustees at its May 6 meeting in Columbia. 

Master Automotive includes Buick, GMC, Chevrolet and Cadillac franchises. Schafer, 42, lives in Augusta and has worked in the family business since he was a teenager.  He has been president of the company since 2002.  The company was founded by Schafer’s grandfather in 1934. 

Schafer says he brings common sense business experience to the CIU board, but mostly is excited to serve because he has a passion for CIU’s purpose of educating people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ. 

“I think the biggest thing I bring to the board is a passion for the gospel and training CIU students in gospel-centered ministries, wherever that ministry might be,” Schafer said. 

At his first board meeting, Schafer was introduced to a number of CIU students and was very impressed.

“The quality of student is exceptional at CIU,” Schafer said.  “My excitement is to help these new leaders.”

Schafer is a 1990 graduate of Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C.  His wife Kathy is a 1992 graduate of Columbia College.  They have four children ranging in age from 4 to 16.