In order to reflect Biola’s efforts to address a dynamic culture, the board of trustees approved a new vision statement on Sept. 27. The vision statement has been renewed in order to reflect the 2012-2022 university plan, which describes Biola’s goals for the next several years.

The updated vision statement is as follows:

“Biola University will be identified among the world’s foremost Christ-centered universities — a community abiding in truth, abounding with grace, and compelled by Christ’s love to be a relevant and redemptive voice in a changing world.”

This differs from the previous vision statement in terms of its shorter length and more concise language.

A REFINED PROCESS

Initial drafting began in March 2012, and from there the statement went through dozens of drafts and passed under hundreds of eyes, according to Chris Grace, vice president for student development and university planning.

Grace discussed how differing opinions complicated the process. Each word was argued over and chosen with the utmost care, he said. Even the inclusion of the m-dash in the vision statement was under heated debate. Professors, members of the president’s administration council and trustees were all consulted. President Barry Corey also had a large input in the creation of the vision statement.

“You have to get everybody’s feedback and take things into account and make decisions and choose certain words,” Grace said.

There is a difference between the mission statement and the vision statement, Grace said. The mission statement defines the purpose of Biola, while the vision statement describes a desired future.

“The language is intentionally aspirational,” said Brian Shook, administrative director for Biola.

A RENEWAL OF A PAST IDEAL

The mission statement has not changed in decades, but the vision statement is renewed every five to 10 years, according to Grace.

“Students can hold us accountable and say either we’ve accomplished that vision, we’re getting closer to accomplishing that vision or haven’t made much progress at all,” Grace said when asked about the relevancy the new vision statement has to Biola students.

Grace also hopes that students will become excited about the new vision statement and make an effort to help bring it to completion. 

Student reactions about the new vision statement were mixed. Joseph Mollath, a junior history major, has questions about the clarity of the statement.

“It’s a vague statement that gives a bunch of overall truths, but never says specifically what they’re planning to do,” Mollath said.

Other students had more positive reactions. Ashley Callahan, a junior communication studies major, appreciated the relevance of the statement.

“I think it perfectly applies to this school’s mission statement,” Callahan said.