Biola University: Notable Alumni and Their Impact
Biola University, a private, nondenominational, evangelical Christian university located in La Mirada, California, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1908 as the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. Over the years, Biola has expanded its academic offerings, adding multiple schools and graduate programs, including the Talbot Theological Seminary, Rosemead Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Crowell School of Business, School of Intercultural Studies, and School of Education. This expansion has allowed Biola to produce a diverse array of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.
A Legacy of Christian Education
Founded by Lyman Stewart, president of the Union Oil Company of California; Thomas C. Horton, a Presbyterian minister and author; and Augustus B. The early leaders envisioned the institute as a center for biblical and missionary training. In 1912, R. A. Torrey was appointed as dean, and in 1913, construction began on a building in downtown Los Angeles, featuring a 3,500-seat auditorium and the iconic "Jesus Saves" signs. The initial focus was on training students in the Bible and missions, a model largely based on the Moody Bible Institute. Over time, the curriculum broadened, leading to the institution's renaming as Biola College in 1949 and Biola University in 1981.
Notable Alumni in Various Fields
Biola University has produced alumni who have excelled in diverse fields, including entertainment, politics, ministry, and athletics. Here's a look at some of the most notable individuals:
Entertainment Industry
- Scott Derrickson: A filmmaker known for his work in the horror genre, directing films such as The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), Sinister (2012), and The Black Phone (2021). He also directed the superhero film Doctor Strange (2016). Derrickson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in humanities from Biola University.
- Zach King: An internet personality known for his "magic vines," six-second videos digitally edited to appear as if he is performing magic. He began posting videos on YouTube in 2008 and gained popularity on Vine in 2013.
- Noah Munck: Best known for his roles as Gibby in the Nickelodeon series iCarly and "Naked" Rob Smith in the ABC comedy series The Goldbergs. He also releases music under the aliases Sadworldbeats and Noah Praise God and creates independent comedy videos on YouTube.
- Rob Bredow: Chief Creative Officer at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).
- Natalie Pohorski: Lead Producer of “Call of Duty”.
- John Mabry: Producer of “Blue Bloods”.
- Adam Christing: An American comedian, author, and motivational speaker from La Mirada, California. He is the founder and president of Clean Comedians, an organization composed of comedians, speakers, and entertainers who refrain from using objectionable material and profanity during their performances.
These alumni exemplify Biola's growing influence in the entertainment industry. The Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts, named after In-N-Out cofounder Esther L. Snyder, offers a world-class media education, preparing students to create for film, TV, computer, and mobile platforms. The school's proximity to Hollywood allows for numerous internship opportunities at top media companies such as Disney, Sony, DreamWorks, and more. 100% of Snyder School students secure internships. The school emphasizes both technical skills and character development, aiming to produce well-rounded professionals who can excel in the competitive entertainment industry. With a new 45,463-square-foot studio facility scheduled for completion in summer 2026, Biola is poised to further enhance its film program.
Politics and Public Service
- John Thune: The senior United States Senator from South Dakota since 2005. A member of the Republican Party, he has served as Senate majority leader and Senate Republican leader. Thune graduated from Biola University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in business.
- Sikhanyiso Dlamini: A Swazi princess and politician, serving as the country's former Minister of Information and Communication Technology.
- David Eastman: A Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives.
- Dennis Linthicum: Served in the Oregon Senate from 2017 until 2025. He is a member of the Republican Party.
- Russ Hiebert: A Canadian lawyer, politician and businessman. He was the Member of Parliament in the House of Commons of Canada for South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale from 2004 to 2015. He has a BA from Biola University, and an MBA and LL.B from the University of British Columbia.
These alumni have made significant contributions to the political landscape, both in the United States and internationally. Their education at Biola University has equipped them with a strong foundation in leadership and service.
Read also: A Look Back at Biola Baseball
Ministry and Theology
- Nabeel Qureshi: A Pakistani-American evangelical Christian apologist who converted to Christianity from Ahmadiyya Islam.
- Daniel B. Wallace: A professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and the founder of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts.
- Danny Yamashiro: A clergyman, author, radio and podcast host, researcher, Christian media personality, and a chaplain at MIT.
- Harry Rimmer: An American evangelist and creationist.
These alumni have dedicated their lives to ministry and theological scholarship, contributing to the understanding and dissemination of Christian teachings.
Athletics
- Todd Worrell: A former professional baseball relief pitcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Josh Staumont: A professional baseball pitcher who has played for the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins.
- Trevor Oaks: A former professional baseball pitcher.
- Solomon Mercado: A Filipino-American former professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
- George Bell: The tallest man in the United States at 7 feet 8 inches. He played college basketball at Morris Brown College, Biola University with the Harlem Wizards and Harlem Globetrotters show teams.
- Robert Pierce: An American former professional basketball coach
These athletes have achieved success in their respective sports, representing Biola University with distinction.
Arts and Music
- Judith Hill: An American singer-songwriter who has provided backing vocals for artists such as Michael Jackson and Prince.
- Steve Taylor: An American singer, songwriter, record producer, film maker, assistant professor, and actor. A figure in what has come to be known as Christian alternative rock.
These alumni have made their mark in the arts and music, showcasing their talents and creativity on a global stage.
Biola's Academic and Cultural Influence
Biola University's influence extends beyond its notable alumni. The university is known for its conferences, centers, and athletics. Annual events such as the Missions Conference and the Torrey Memorial Bible Conference provide opportunities for spiritual growth and engagement. Academic centers like the Center for Christian Thought and the Center for Christianity, Culture and the Arts foster intellectual inquiry and creative expression. The Biola Eagles compete in NCAA Division II, providing a platform for student-athletes to excel.
Read also: Career Opportunities at Biola
Read also: Explore the evolution of Biola
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