The Evolution of Biola University Athletics: From Humble Beginnings to NCAA Division II
Biola University, a private, nondenominational, evangelical Christian university in La Mirada, California, has a rich history deeply rooted in faith and academic excellence. Founded in 1908 as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (BIOLA) by Lyman Stewart and Rev. T.C. Horton, the institution was dedicated to equipping men and women to impact society with the truth of the gospel. Over the decades, Biola has evolved from a Bible institute to a comprehensive university offering a wide array of academic programs, while maintaining its strong commitment to biblical studies. Alongside its academic growth, Biola University has developed a vibrant athletic program, known as the Biola Eagles, which has transitioned from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.
The Early Years: Laying the Foundation
The Bible Institute of Los Angeles was established in 1908 by Lyman Stewart, founder and president of the Union Oil Company, and the Rev. T.C. Horton. Dedicated to sharing and defending the Christian faith, Stewart and Horton established the Institute to educate and equip men and women to impact society at home and abroad with the truth of the gospel. The Institute’s influence was felt along the entire Western Seaboard from Mexico to Canada and across the Pacific to China. By 1909, over 540 extension courses were sponsored by the Bible Institute. In 1912, the school had grown sufficiently in its outreach and constituency to call R.A. Torrey as dean. The following decades produced immense growth, development and outreach. The school moved from a two-year to a four-year program offering degrees in theology, Christian education and sacred music, and a one-year program in missionary medicine.
By 1949, the Bible Institute expanded to include a Bible college and in 1952 launched Talbot Theological Seminary to further serve the Christian community. In the ensuing years, Biola College broadened its curricula in the arts, sciences, professions and seminary offerings while maintaining its strong foundation in biblical studies. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s the program base further expanded, and in 1977 the Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology was acquired.
Transition to Biola University and Expansion of Academic Programs
In 1949, the institution transitioned to "Biola College," and in 1981, it adopted the name "Biola University." This change reflected the broadening of its academic offerings beyond biblical studies. Today, Biola University offers more than 250 biblically integrated academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree levels. Year after year, Biola University is consistently recognized as one of the world’s strongest Christian universities - widely known for leading academic programs in business, film, science, classical education (through the Torrey Honors College) and more. As students pursue a top-tier education and are stretched intellectually, they also grow closer to God and develop a resilient faith through the most robust curriculum of required biblical studies and theology courses of any university. Since 1908, Biola has stood as a beacon of hope for the intellectual, spiritual and moral growth of its students.
The university comprises several schools, including the Crowell School of Business, established in 1993, which offers MBA and MPAcc programs, as well as undergraduate majors in accounting and business administration. The School of Education, originally the Education Department in 1952 and established as a school in 2007, trains educators for various educational settings. The Torrey Honors College, a classical literature program, provides an alternative to traditional general education requirements.
Read also: A Look Back at Biola Baseball
The Biola Eagles: A Tradition of Athletic Excellence
The Biola Eagles are the athletic teams that represent Biola University in intercollegiate sports. The university's athletic journey reflects its broader institutional evolution. Biola University Athletics was an active member of the NAIA from 1964 to 2017. In 2012, Biola inducted three alumni into Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame. The athletics department inducted Todd Worrell (baseball), Becky White (volleyball and women's basketball) and Wade Kirchmeyer (men's basketball).
Move to NCAA Division II
The Biola Eagles' transition to NCAA Division II marked a significant step in the university's athletic program. On July 20, 2016, Biola University's application for membership into the NCAA Division II had been approved for the three-year membership process. The Eagles continued as an active member of the GSAC and the NAIA for the 2016-17 school year while completing Provisional Year One with the NCAA. In Provisional Year Two (2017-18), Biola joined the PacWest Conference and competed primarily against NCAA opponents. BU was accepted for full NCAA Division II membership on July 12, 2019.
Currently, Biola competes primarily in the Pacific West Conference (PacWest) since the 2017-18 academic year. The men's and women's swimming & diving teams compete in the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference (PCSC). Biola also has a club men's lacrosse team that competed in the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL) from 2001-2009, and has since competed in the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference (SLC). A club women's lacrosse team began competition in 2012 in the Western Women's Lacrosse League (WWLL).
Notable Figures in Biola Athletics
Dave Holmquist is the school's men's basketball coach.
Other University Initiatives
Beyond academics and athletics, Biola University supports various centers and initiatives. In October 2014, Biola launched the Center for Marriage and Relationships (CMR). On October 8, 2007, Biola opened the Charles L. Feinberg Center for Messianic Jewish Studies in Manhattan.
Read also: Career Opportunities at Biola
Read also: Impactful Biola Alumni
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