''.At Bio/a University, the total educational program is conducted with the recognition that each student is an individual human being, created in the image of God. Intellectual development is very important and must bejoined with the spiritual, social and physical areas of life within an integrated, biblical Christian world-view.,, Dr. Robert B. Fischer Vice-President for Academic Affairs General
Information Carrying on a tradition of educational excellence that dates back 75 years, Biola University now encompasses three distinct schools: The School of Arts, Sciences and Professions; Talbot Theological Seminary; and the Rosemead School of Psychology. Offering three baccalaureate degrees in 23 majors, 11 master's and three doctoral degrees, Biola's commitment to academic excellence is firmly rooted in its adherence to an in-depth, know ledgeable and alive Christianity. Each year, over 3200 students find Biola's unique blend of faith and learning conducive to their academic and vocational goals. IDSTORICAL SKETCH The cornerstone of the original Bible Institute building in Los Angeles - and the future university - 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, class or creed will ever be welcome to its privileges. Spoken by Lyman Stewart, president of the Institute and founder of the Union Oil Company, the words captured the vision of Biola's founders. Stewart, together with T. C. Horton, had initi ated the Bible Institute, with the first permanent organization taking shape in 1908. By 1912, the school had grown in its outreach and constituency sufficiently to call R. A. Torrey, a leader in the field of Christian education, as the first dean. The next seven decades have witnessed tremendous growth in the development and outreach of the school. Under the leadership 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 came into being in 1945, laying the founda tion 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 accred itation. Additionally, many new programs of study were intro duced, including Talbot Theological Seminary. The demands imposed by the growing student body and the enlarged curric ulum prompted the purchase of a seventy-five acre site in La Mirada. Biola moved to the new site in 1959. Dr. Sutherland retired as president in 1970, but continues to lend leadership as a member of Biola's bo d of trustees. 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 affiliation enhanced Biola's standing as a "comprehensive Christian college of arts, sciences and professional studies." Further development and expansion, as well as the strengthening of existing programs, moved Biola from a comprehensive college to a university structure. The university title was adopted as of July I, 1981. As President Chase notes, the title more accurately communicates what the school is and has been for some time: •·a quality Christian institution that is distinc tive, complex and involved in extensive graduate work in two distinct professional schools." 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 both 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 with out any denominational affiliation. From an institute to a university, Biola 's real cornerstone has remained the same: commitment to Jesus Christ and biblical
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