A Tribute to Dennis Dirks

May 22, 2014

Dennis Dirks began working at Biola in 1976 as a Professor of Christian Education in Talbot School of Theology. From 1992 through 2012 he served as Dean of Talbot. As Dean, Dennis made significant contributions to the growth and international recognition of Talbot, making an extraordinary impact for Christ around the world. Dennis is known nationally as a leader in higher education in the Evangelical Theological Society, Evangelical Seminary Deans Council, and Fellowship of Evangelical Seminary Presidents. He has played key roles in the recruitment and development of Talbot’s faculty and curricular programs. He planned and initiated two extension programs including the Charles L. Feinberg Center in Manhattan, New York, which offers a Master of Divinity in Messianic Jewish Studies and the Kyiv Extension Program in Ukraine, offering a Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies. During the last two years Dennis has served the Provost Office as Dean of Academic Administration.

Dennis has undertaken all of these endeavors with excellence, earning numerous university awards for his leadership and commitment. He is well loved, highly respected, and an admired leader in seminary education. Dennis has led Talbot with a combination of spiritual insight, skill, focused discipline, and openness to the leading of God. Words cannot describe how remarkable Dennis’ contributions have been to Biola.

– Office of the Provost