The search for the next President of Biola University continues to move forward.   Through the end of 2006, Biola received nearly 100 nominations and applications from across the country. 
We are thrilled with the response generated by the 24-page Opportunity Profile that was mailed and distributed in October to more than 2,000 people.  And we have been very pleased with the outstanding efforts of People Management, our executive search firm partner.  The extensive experience and networking expertise of Rob Stevenson and Tommy Thomas have proven to be invaluable.

Most of all, we are thankful to God for answering the fervent prayers of His people.  Throughout the search process, we have been impressed and humbled by the encouragement of so many people in all sectors of the Biola community—faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends—who have told the members of the Presidential Search Team and the Search Advisory Committee that they are praying for God’s leading in this historic process.  We believe the extensive interest shown by the top leaders in Christian College education and ministry speaks to God’s faithfulness. 

On another level, the quality and the number of responses confirm Biola’s position as a world-class University with a bold new vision in place, firmly rooted in its founding mission:

Biola’s vision is to be an exemplary Christian University characterized as a community of grace that promotes and inspires personal life transformation in Christ, which illuminates the world with His light and truth.  Further, as a Global Center for Christian Thought and an influential evangelical voice that addresses crucial cultural issues, Biola University aspires to lead, with confidence and compassion, an intellectual and spiritual renewal that advances the purpose of Christ.

It has also been exciting and encouraging to process the positive responses to Biola’s Doctrinal Statement, which is such an integral part of Biola’s heritage and mission.  As stated in the Opportunity Profile, it is essential that the candidates display an ability to accurately communicate the tenets of the Doctrinal Statement and Explanatory Notes, while serving as their guardian and defender.

As the Presidential Search Team works diligently to narrow the pool of candidates, we ask for your continued prayers.  And we ask that you pray for Biola University, that God would continue to strengthen the minds and character of its students, faculty, staff and trustees.