Colorado Christian University Dedicates The Quarry Innovation Lab

Posted on October 16, 2025

Colorado Christian University Dedicates The Quarry Innovation Lab

Mining for Wisdom in the Age of Innovation

Colorado Christian University (CCU) has officially opened and dedicated The Quarry Innovation Lab, a collaborative learning space designed to explore the intersection of faith, technology, and human creativity. The Quarry serves as a hub for education, research, student projects, and interdisciplinary partnerships grounded in emerging technology and a biblical worldview.

The dedication took place during CCU's AI for Humanity Faith & Technology Summit, which convened national leaders in technology, ministry, and higher education to explore how Christians can faithfully engage artificial intelligence and innovation with wisdom and moral clarity.

"The Quarrybeautifully captures our calling to be a place where wisdom is uncovered and refined," said CCU President Eric K. Hogue. "Just as a quarry provides the raw materials for great structures, this lab will equip students to cultivate ideas that serve people, honor God, and impact culture."

The name The Quarrywas inspired by Job 28, which reminds readers that, "Surely there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined... But where can wisdom be found?"

That question-Where does wisdom come from?- defines the mission of the lab.

Spearheaded and directed by Dr. David Kotter, dean of the School of Theology, The Quarry Innovation Lab represents vision and leadership. Dr. Kotter along with the designated task force from the School of Science and Engineering, has guided the project from concept to completion, ensuring that the space remains anchored in Scripture and the pursuit of divine wisdom.

"Humanity has always mined the earth for resources - silver, gold, and now data and innovation," said Kotter. "But The Quarryreminds us that true wisdom cannot be engineered; it must be revealed by God. This space calls us to seek wisdom first, and to let invention follow."

The Quarry Innovation Lab invites students to explore interactive "stations."

• Workshop Area: A rotating series of practical sessions where students, faculty, and staff learn how to use AI tools responsibly - integrating them into daily workflows, classroom learning, and ministry with wisdom and discernment.

• Coding & Design Station: Equipped for hands-on vibe coding development, where students apply ethical and biblical frameworks to technology creation.

• Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality Studio: A space for exploring immersive environments that help visualize theological and cultural questions in new ways.

• "Book An AI Assistant" Pod: A research and reading zone where students can engage curated theological and technical resources, paired with a values-aligned AI assistant trained on faith-based data.

Dr. Kotter was joined in the project's creation and ongoing development by Dr. Mark Parker, dean of the School of Science and Engineering; Dr. Cory Hixson, associate professor of Engineering; and Edward Jones, assistant professor of Computer Science. Together, this team has created a space where students, faculty, and staff can engage with emerging technologies - learning, using, and harnessing them for good.

"We want students to see their work in STEM not as separate from worship, but as an expression of it," said Hixson. "Innovation is an act of stewardship - joining God in His creative and redemptive work."

"Our vision for The Quarry is to produce both ideas and disciples," said Parker. "We're not just shaping technology - we're shaping people who will use technology to serve the Kingdom."

The Quarry is more than a lab - it is a movement toward redemptive innovation. Rooted in Scripture and driven by curiosity, it calls a new generation of Christian thinkers to imagine, design, and build with purpose. As technology advances, CCU's Quarry Innovation Lab will ensure that faith remains both the foundation and the future of innovation.