The process of searching for the next president of Biola has been very rewarding for everyone involved.  Without a doubt the most tangible benefit for the Presidential Search Team and the Search Advisory Committee has been the interaction with various groups of Biola constituents.  Throughout September and October, members of both search committees met on campus with more than 500 people from these groups:

• University Advancement staff
• Biola employees
• School of Arts and Sciences Faculty
• Student Leaders
• The University Planning Group

The purpose was to give an update to the search process, as well as to gather input from staff, faculty, administration, and students.  At each meeting we detected a high level of enthusiasm for Biola’s heritage and vision; we heard expressions of appreciation for Dr. Cook; and we took note of the ideas people have for the kind of person needed to lead Biola into its next century.  On top of all that, we felt the power of prayer as we learned of the many intentional efforts being made—both individually and corporately—to pray for Biola and our next president.

Another major accomplishment has been the completion of the Opportunity Profile, a 24-page four-color viewbook produced by Biola’s outstanding Marketing Communications department.  Kudos to Irene Neller and her talented staff for putting this together in record time.  As far as the search is concerned, this viewbook is the face of Biola for the entire country.  It tells the story of Biola; spells out Biola’s mission, vision and values; highlights both the spiritual emphasis and the academic excellence that characterize Biola; and gives a profile of the kind of leader Biola is looking for.  The Opportunity Profile, which is available online, is being distributed to Christian leaders across the county.

Finally, please take some time to navigate through this new Presidential Search website.  There are a number of features and places where you can learn more about the search, including a section called Frequently Asked Questions.  Which brings up something very important.  If you have a question about the search process, please send me an email at:  .  I will answer you personally and, if it’s appropriate, post the question and answer on the website.

Please continue to pray for Biola and the search.  Together we have come a long ways since the first of June, when Dr. Cook announced his retirement, but there is still a lot of work to be done.  We need God’s strength and wisdom every step of the way!

Stan Jantz
Chair, Presidential Search Team