GENERAL INFORMATIDN
G EN ER AL •i@il•i;HfflilC•i@• Carrying on a tradition of educational excellence that dates back over 80 years, Biola University now encompasses: the School of Arts and Sciences, Talbot School of Theology, Rosemead School of Psychology, the School of Intercultural Studies, the School ofBusiness, and the School of Continuing Studies. Offering three baccalaureate degrees in 24 majors, 13 masters and six doctoral degrees, Biola's commitment to academic excellence is firmly rooted in its adherence to an in depth, knowledgeable and living Christianity. Each year, over 3,000 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 Angeles 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 ofBiola's founders. Stewart, together with T.C. Hor ton, initiated the Bible Institute, with the first permanent orga nization 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 eight decades have witnessed tremendous growth in the development and outreach of the school. Under the lead ership ofDr. 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 came into being in 1945, laying the foundation for Biola's current baccalaureate nursing pro gram. 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 curriculum prompted the purchase ofa 7:'>-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 ofBiola's Board ofTrustees. That same year, Dr. J. Richard Chase became Biola's sixth president In 1977, the graduate programs of Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology were acquired by Biola and relocated on the La Mirada campus. The undergradu ate programs in psychology 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 Col lege became Biola University on July 1, 1981. The University was composed of the School of Arts and Sciences, Talbot Theological Seminary, and Rosemead School of Psychology. Dr. Clyde Cook became the seventh president ofBiola on June 1, 1982. Under his leadership, the School of lntercul tural Studies was instituted as part of the University in 1983.
Talbot Theological Seminary became Talbot School of The ology 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, and the School ofContinuing Studies in 1994. Because of the University's heritage and commitment, its academic 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 framework), as well as to the spiritual, academic and holistic growth of those who are personally committed to Him. THE ROLE AND MISSION OF BIOLA UNIVERSITY The mission of Biola University is biblically<entered educa tion, scholarship, and service - equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the LordJesus Christ Students. We exist for committed Christian students. Our quest is to graduate followers of the Lord Jesus Christ who are equipped with technical and relational skills to live and work with integrity, diligence, humility, and spiritual dis cernment We expect our graduates to enter families, com munities, and careers to serve as leaders, role models, and competent professionals in their respective fields. F.duauion. Our mission focuses on teaching and learning. Our goals are inspirational teaching from faculty who exhibitjoy in learning coupled with excellent communication skills, and graduates who capture this excitement and dedication, and leave Biola empowered to think and practice in their fields of service from a Christian world view. Toward this objective, all students invest at least 20% of their course hours in biblical studies and the integration of their academic disciplines with theology. Research. Discerning Christ-centered scholarship charac terizes the work of faculty and students. Our undergraduate and graduate faculty grapple with the major intellectual, eth ical, and cultural issues of our time relating them to a consis tent biblical framework. The university seeks to nourish fac ulty and students alike in a Christian environment which prizes research of the highest quality, and dialogue and criti cal thought within the context of common faith. Values. Service to a diverse constituency, modeled upon the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, is our first priority. We commit to love and respect for all persons, integrity in our words and transactions, and diligence in our labor. We aspire to excellence, creativity, and awe of god in the fulfillment of our mission. Our vision is to create a distinctive Christian university of service to the global community of faith. lmpad. Our graduates make a difference. Servant lead ers, apprenticed at Biola, impact both the church and the secular world with practical, diligent service in such diverse fields as the arts, communication, business, nursing, psychol ogy and education. Our faculty set the example in their pro fessional practice, and through rigorous research, instruc-
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