In 1977, the graduate programs of Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology were acquired by Biola and relocated on the La Mirada campus. The undergraduate programs in psychol- ogy were merged with Rosemead’s graduate programs in the fall of 1981, forming the present Rosemead School of Psychology. Under the leadership of Dr. J. Richard Chase, Biola College became Biola University on July 1, 1981. The University was composed of the School of Arts & Sciences, Talbot Theological Seminary and Rosemead School of Psychology. Dr. Clyde Cook became the seventh president of Biola on June 1, 1982. Under his leadership, the School of Intercultural Studies was instituted as part of the University in 1983. Talbot Theological Seminary became Talbot School of Theology in the fall of 1983 as a result of the merger between the appropriate undergraduate and graduate level programs. The Board approved the establishment of the School of Business in 1993, the School of Continuing Studies in 1994, now called the School of Professional Studies and the School of Education in 2006. These seven schools now compose the academic structure of Biola University. Because of the University’s heritage and commitment, its aca- demic basis is broader than that of the standard college of arts and sciences. Terminal and preparatory programs lead to service in church-related vocations and the many other vocations and professions embraced by the present curricula. In addition, the University is a Christian institution of higher education without any denominational affiliation. From an institute to a university, Biola’s cornerstone has remained the same: commitment to Jesus Christ, the inerrancy of Scripture and biblical Christianity (within an evangelical Protestant frame- work), as well as to the spiritual, academic and holistic growth of those who are personally committed to Him. The Mission of Biola University The mission of Biola University is biblically-centered education, scholarship, and service—equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. The University Vision Biola’s vision for the future provides a vivid mental image that has been developed by considering the University’s rich heritage, its stated mission and the current cultural and internal landscape. From this vision, the specific plans and initiatives flow that will bring to life the purposes that God has set in the hearts of its leadership. When used to its fullest, a vision helps an organization to focus its energies and resources on those endeavors that best support the goals, ideas or objectives that it hopes to accomplish.
General Information Carrying on a tradition of educational excellence that dates back over 90 years, Biola University now encompasses: the School of Arts & Sciences, Talbot School of Theology, Rosemead School of Psychology, the School of Intercultural Studies, the School of Busi- ness, the School of Professional Studies and the School of Educa- tion. Offering four baccalaureate degrees in 28 majors, 17 masters and seven doctoral degrees, Biola’s commitment to academic excellence is firmly rooted in its adherence to an in-depth, knowl- edgeable and living Christianity. Each year, over 5,600 students find Biola’s unique blend of faith and learning conducive to their academic and vocational goals. Historical Sketch The cornerstone of the original Bible Institute building in Los An- geles was laid on May 31, 1913, and dedicated with these words: “For the teaching of the truths for which the Institute stands, its doors are to be open every day of the year, and all people, without reference to race, color or class will ever be welcome to its privileges.” Spoken by Lyman Stewart, president of the Institute and co- founder of the Union Oil Company, these words capture the vision of Biola’s founders. Stewart, together with T.C. Horton, initiated the Bible Institute, with the first permanent organization taking shape in 1908. By 1912, the school had grown sufficiently in its outreach and constituency to call R.A. Torrey, a leader in the field of Christian education, as the first dean. The next nine decades have witnessed tremendous growth in the development and outreach of the school. Under the leader- ship of Dr. Louis T. Talbot, president from 1932 to 1952, the Bible Institute program became a four-year course, leading to degrees in theology, Christian education, and sacred music. The School of Missionary Medicine was created in 1945, laying the foundation for Biola’s current baccalaureate nursing program. In 1949, the Bible Institute was renamed Biola College. Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland became president in 1952, and with his leadership the college obtained regional and professional accreditation. Additionally, many new programs of study were introduced, including Talbot Theological Seminary. The demands imposed by the growing student body and the enlarged curricu- lum prompted the purchase of a 75-acre site in La Mirada.
Biola moved to the new site in 1959.
Dr. Sutherland retired as president in 1970, but continued to lend leadership as a member of Biola’s Board of Trustees. That same year, Dr. J. Richard Chase became Biola’s sixth president.
General Information
Biola University
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