Biola University Appoints Stetzer as Dean
LA MIRADA, Calif. — Biola University is announcing that Dr. Ed Stetzer will assume the role of Dean of Talbot School of Theology beginning July 2, 2023.
“For decades, Dr. Ed Stetzer’s visionary presence — most recently at Wheaton College’s Billy Graham Center — has deeply strengthened the cause of the gospel through men and women across America and around the world,” said Biola’s President, Barry H. Corey. “As he comes to Biola University to lead Talbot School of Theology, he transitions from one historic institution of Christian higher education to another. Dr. Stetzer, a courageous and compelling voice, will bring to Biola the virtue of continuity through his abiding convictions that align with Biola’s theological core.”
A Search Advisory Committee, composed of faculty, staff, and alumni, helped facilitate the search for a new dean over the course of several months.
Stetzer — author, pastor, radio host, editor-in-chief — is currently serving at Wheaton College as professor, dean and executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. His leadership at Wheaton has resulted in enrollment growth at the school’s ministry program, the launch of eight institutes, securing millions in grant funding and expanding the school’s reach to churches and local communities.
“Dr. Stetzer has a demonstrated ability to connect the academy and the church, expanding access to theological education in innovative ways. He understands the importance of biblically centered institutions like Biola University and the stewardship entrusted to us in our mission. And he has a deep appreciation for the remarkable legacy of Talbot and its heritage of godly and humble leadership,” said said Provost and Senior Vice President, Dr. Matthew J. Hall.
Over his professional career Stetzer has planted churches, served as a lead pastor, trained pastors and church planters on six continents, served as Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, hosted a national radio show, “Ed Stetzer Live,” on 150 radio outlets and he has written hundreds of articles and a dozen books.
Stetzer combines vast leadership experience, theological discernment, a commitment to the church, and a track record of helping organizations grow in their impact. He will join the Talbot School of Theology at a time when the Gospel is not necessarily popular but desperately needed. He will continue to maintain Talbot’’s commitment to Biola’s theological convictions and advocate for them in effective ways including finding new ways to engage the global church and advance God’s mission.
(SOURCE: Biola University)
