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, Dr. 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. He will also bring the virtue of imagination through his creative ability to convene, inspire and commission a wide range of students called to live out their Christian witness full of truth and full of grace. We eagerly welcome Ed, along with his wife Donna, to Biola's Talbot School of Theology.”

Last year, Biola commenced a national search for the next leader to serve as Dean of Talbot School of Theology after Clint Arnold, former Dean of Talbot, stepped down to return to teach in the classroom. A Search Advisory Committee, composed of faculty, staff, and alumni, helped facilitate the search for a new dean over the course of several months. After receiving its review, along with input from Talbot faculty, it became clear that Stetzer would be ideally suited to lead Talbot into the future.

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.

“As Executive Director of the Billy Graham Center and Dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership, Dr. Stetzer has provided remarkable leadership to some of Wheaton College’s most effective and fastest growing academic programs,” said Provost and Senior Vice President, Dr. Matthew J. Hall. “He 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.”

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. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School, in addition to a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts from Liberty University’s Divinity School.

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 in the world.

“I am delighted that Ed Stetzer will be Talbot's next dean,” said Dr. Scott Rae, Senior Advisor to the President for University Mission and Dean of the Faculty, Talbot School of Theology. “He brings leadership, vision, innovation and a passion for evangelism, among other things, to Talbot and its future. He's just the right person for Talbot at this time and will be a joy to work with.”

Talbot School of Theology — biblically faithful, culturally engaged and theologically sound — is one of the nation’s leading theological schools and continues to grow with the needs of Christian leaders. Talbot’s academic offerings from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees equips students with a breadth of knowledge that prepares graduates for a lifetime of gospel-centered, Spirit-led ministry.