Heritage

One hundred years ago, a biblical foundation was laid in the heart of Los Angeles. Lyman Stewart, the founder of Union Oil, and T.C. Horton, a local pastor, created the Bible Institute of Los Angeles in 1908 to combat the moral decay and liberalism prevalent in the early 1900s. Living out the Great Commission, they aimed to bring Christ’s hope to people of all walks of life, social classes and races.

What began as a small institute grew into a college in 1949, and, in 1981, achieved its current status as a thriving university. God has blessed Biola throughout the last century with abundant opportunities to teach, train and equip men and women to meet the needs of each generation.

Biola continues to affirm its commitment to creating significant academic programs that engage our community with some of the most influential thinkers of our time, while transforming the spiritual and moral character of its students.

Since 1908, Biola has stood as a beacon of hope for the intellectual, spiritual and moral growth of its students and has not wavered in its biblical commitment. It has stayed true to its founding Christian beliefs while holding fast to a tradition of academic excellence.

• 1908 - Founding of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles
• 1909 - Hunan Bible Institute established as the Bible Institute of China
• 1911 - First class graduated from the Los Angeles campus with six students
• 1912 - Dr. R.A. Torrey called as first dean
• 1913 - Cornerstone laid for the Institute building at Sixth and Hope Streets in downtown Los Angeles
• 1945 - Beginning of the School of Missionary Medicine
• 1952 - Talbot School of Theology established
• 1957 - Ground-breaking ceremonies held for the new La Mirada campus
• 1959 - Official move to the new campus
• 1972 - The institution renamed Biola College
• 1977 - The programs of Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology acquired
• 1981 - Biola College becomes Biola University
• 1983 - The addition of the School of Intercultural Studies and World Missions
• 1985 - New university structure complete with four schools now named: School of Arts and Sciences, Talbot School of Theology, Rosemead School of Psychology and School of Intercultural Studies
• 1987 - Carnegie Commission of Higher Education classified Biola University as a Doctorate Granting II Institution
• 1988 - Acquisition of the McNally Campus
• 1993 - Addition of the School of Business
• 1994 - Addition of the School of Professional Studies
• 2001 - Library completed
• 2003 - Hope Hall completed
• 2006 - Horton Hall completed
• 2007 - Crowell School of Business Building completed