Biola University is pleased to announce a new cabinet-level role. Effective August 16, 2016, André Stephens will assume the role of Vice President of Student Development, transitioning from his current role as Associate Vice President of University Admissions.

“For many years André has been recognized among the emerging executives within this institution,” said Biola President Barry H. Corey. “His many interpersonal skills, spiritual depth, collaborative spirit, passion for the marginalized student and the deep respect he commands on campus have convinced me he is well suited for this important executive leadership role.”

This new executive role is vital for the future health of the institution. In his new role as Vice President of Student Development, Stephens will report to Dr. Corey and will serve on the executive committee of the President’s Administrative Council (PACEX).

Stephens has been intimately involved in, and a voice for, student issues during his entire 25-year career in Christian higher education. A member of Biola’s Enrollment Management team since 1991, André holds a B.A. in Communication from Biola University (‘91) and an M.A. in Speech Communication from Cal State Fullerton (‘00). In 2013, he participated in the Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s Institute for Educational Management leadership intensive. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in higher education administration at Claremont Graduate University.

In addition to his service in Enrollment Management, Stephens has contributed to the organizational health of the university in a number of ways. In 2011, he developed Biola’s ground-breaking Emerging Leaders program to provide a unique professional development opportunity for high achieving employees. Under Stephens guidance, 55 Biola employees in four cohorts have now benefited from this program. Serving with Dr. Deborah Taylor, he co-chaired the advisory committee to the President’s Administrative Council from 2011 to 2013 and has served on numerous cross-divisional committees at Biola.

Outside of Biola Stephens is widely known and well respected by his peers in higher education. He served as President of the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals (NACCAP) from 2009-2010 and received the NACCAP “Admissions Officer of the Year” Award in 2012.

As Stephens steps into the position of Vice President, he will continue to build a strong Student Development division, which oversees: Residence Life, Student Care, Housing, Global Student Programs & Development, Commuter Life, Student Orientation, Office of Student Accessibility, Spiritual Development, Chapel Programs, Associated Students, Student Communication, The Health Center, and Student Programs & Activities.

“I’m excited to join a strong Student Development team who are pouring out their lives in service to God and to the students He has blessed Biola with,” said Stephens. “We have amazing students and to help them navigate the joys and the challenges of this part of their journey is an honor. It’s a privilege to work directly with President Corey and PACEX to help create and cultivate an institutional environment where students can thrive and fulfill the mission of Biola University.”