Biola welcomed its new provost and senior vice president, David Nystrom, during Friday’s chapel, inaugurating a “perfect match” for the campus, according to President Barry Corey.
Friday morning’s ceremony began with the Biola symphony orchestra playing along with Donte Apperwhite, who led the processional of faculty in the song “The Old Hundredth Psalm.”
Corey welcomes Nystrom into Biola family
After a Scripture reading and a congressional hymn, Corey greeted attendees and spoke of his excitement in welcoming Nystrom into the Biola family.
“This morning is not about a person, but the academic legacy and future at Biola University all in commitment to the cause of Christ and the Kingdom of God,” Corey said. “Let me say once again publicly on this very happy moment for me, I am so glad that in July of this year you [Nystrom] said yes to the call.”
Corey read a list of requirements of a provost, explaining how Nystrom fit each of the requirements.
“This is who you are; this is who we are,” Corey said of Nystrom and Biola. “EHarmony could not have made a better match. Welcome to Biola University.”
Nystrom’s experience equips him with understanding of diversity
Nystrom completed his undergraduate and doctoral work at the University of California Davis and received his masters in divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, where he later taught. After that, he spent 12 years in Chicago at North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary, teaching and serving as chair of biblical and theological studies, as well as director of the Institute for Christian Studies.
During his time in Chicago, Nystrom and his family lived in one of the most diverse ZIP codes in the nation. The elementary schools in the area host students of more than 60 differnt native languages. This experience, coupled with the six months he spent in Sweden and the years he served as an adjunct at a Hispanic seminary in Los Angeles, gives Nystrom a deep understanding of diversity and an understanding of global contexts that will be invaluable to his service at Biola.
Leaders speak to welcome Nystrom
Following Corey’s introductory speech, Robert Johnson, former provost of Fuller Theological Seminary, gave a formal address in affirmation of Biola’s values. He spoke of what it means to be a provost and encouraged Nystrom in his journey as the new provost. Faculty members, as well as Associated Students President Lizzie Neely and Student Missionary Union President Luke Payton, read aloud university charges and symbols of office.
Nystrom finds joy in his position
Nystrom gave his installation address, expressing his joy to be a part of this leadership team.
“I learned a lot about my job this morning,” said Nystrom. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be here and that the Biola community has welcomed my family and I to this place and this wonderful company of a learning community of folks that are committed to the cause of Christ and are pursuing God’s Kingdom, work and his will. It is a joy to be a part of a first class leadership team.”
Nystrom talked from his heart about his new role as provost. Using examples of leaders from history, he said he desires to pay attention to all the people in the classrooms, raise the bar academically, form relations with graduate programs and Biola’s larger community, reaffirm Biola’s commitment to the city and foster a company of tireless seekers of the Christian intellectual journey.
“I am honored and, frankly, quite excited to be asked to join with so many others who are committed to serving the cause of Christ at Biola,” Nystrom said. “Paul wrote of God calling us into being that which is not yet. I hope to help us imagine the future of Biola that God has in mind, and then to foster a culture where that future can come to fruition.”
The inauguration closed with a prayer of dedication, a hymn and the final benediction given by Corey.
“The event was so professional and orderly, making me feel proud and attentive,” sophomore Kaleigh Isaacs said. “I love seeing the entire faculty being honored. It reminds me of how hard they work and how privileged we are to have such great Christian role models. The ceremony, although honoring and welcoming the provost, was focused on Christ. It reflected Biola’s commitment and zeal for Christ. It reminded me of how much I love Biola.”
