Meet the Staff

Carrie Stockton , Director of Academic Advising and Student Retention

I serve as the Director of Academic Advising and I've worked at Biola since 2001, previously employed in the undergraduate admissions office. I love working at Biola, especially walking alongside the amazing students God has brought here and seeing His work in their lives. My time attending a Christian college was rich with experiences of deep relationships with faculty and fellow students and understanding Christ more deeply through a rich, vibrant learning experience. It's a privilege to be a part of that experience for Biola students, especially through teaching First Year Seminar and advising undeclared students about possible majors. God has given each of us unique strengths and I am so grateful each time I see someone discover how those gifts and talents will be used for His glory.

Hometown
Irvine, CA
Degree
B.A. Business/Economics (Wheaton College); M.A., Organizational Leadership (Biola University)
Who I advise
The students in my First Year Seminar class, transfer students (A-L), probation students
Interests
Music, art, old movies, travel (I've been to 28 countries!), seeing friends across the country, staying literate, family (especially my two nephews), worship
Favorite Book
I have a few, The Small Rain by Madeleine L'Engle, East of Eden by John Steinbeck, Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, and They Found the Secret by V. Raymond Edman
Favorite Quote
“It is possible that God says every morning, 'Do it again' to the sun; and every evening 'Do it again' to the moon. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we." -G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

Amanda Winningham, Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Student Retention

Hi! I am the Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Student Retention. I love Biola University and deeply value the experiences, friendships and knowledge I gained here during my time as a student. It is exciting for me to return years later to work alongside undergraduate students to support them in their academic journey and encourage them during their college years. My hope is that you find our office and staff to be a helpful resource for you. Stop by any time and set up an appointment… we are here to help!

Hometown
Downey, CA
Degree
B.A. in Christian Education Ministries, Biola University; M.A. in Counseling, Chapman University
Who I Advise
I typically advise transfer students, undecided students and provisionally admitted students.
Interests
The outdoors, art, live music, road trips, wasting hours of my life reading design and cooking blogs, and my super cute nephew “Boo Boo Bear”.<
Favorite Book
I love anything by George Orwell, cried like a baby when I read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and I am currently reading Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. I tend to like books that wrestle with the issues of freedom, culture and equality.
Favorite Quote
“Search and see whether there is not some place where you may invest your humanity.” – Albert Schweitzer

Dan Perez, Academic Advisor

I graduated from Biola in May 2007 with a degree in Business Marketing. I absolutely loved my undergrad experience at Biola. During my time at Biola, God developed a passion in me for helping and developing students. I am incredibly excited to be working at wonderful place like Biola where I get to advise undeclared students and develop relationships with other people who love Biola.

Hometown
Silver Lake, CA
Degree
B.S. in Business Administration
Who I Advise
Undeclared majors and anyone with questions
Interests
Music (writing, recording, playing, musing), travel, family, friends, StrengthsQuest, etc.
Favorite Book
Life After God by Douglas Coupland (Catcher in the Rye, A Separate Peace, The Count of Monte Cristo, Biola University 07-09 Catalog)

Graydon Cress, Academic Advisor & Bible Bridge Administrator

Hi! I graduated from Biola in December '10 and God has blessed me incredibly with this job that I absolutely love! I really love meeting with students and helping them fulfill their dreams and God's calling in their lives! I also get to work on the Bible Bridge Program which helps transfer students get a head start on their Bible minor. I had a blast at Biola and am so thankful for the impact it has left on my life.

Hometown
Bellevue, WA
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education
Who I Advise
Most Undergrad Students
Interests
Spending time with my wife, hanging out with family and friends, and watching a good movie.
Favorite Book
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. There is nothing better.
Favorite Quote
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” – A.W. Tozer Knowledge of the Holy.