After an extensive search and interview process, Biola University has selected Dr. Gary Lindblad to serve as the new dean of the Crowell School of Business effective July 1, 2014.

Lindblad is an accomplished professional who has brought effective leadership to several major business schools. He also has deep roots at Biola University; he earned a master’s degree in Christian education from Biola’s Talbot School of Theology in 1983, and served for a time as Biola’s director of student ministries. He also holds a doctorate from UCLA. 

“Dr. Lindblad is a talented professional with a proven track record and a deep understanding of the integration of faith, mission and business,” said David Nystrom, Biola’s provost and senior vice president. “I am so pleased to re-introduce him to the Biola community.”

Lindblad’s leadership has been instrumental in the success of several schools, beginning with the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, where he was charged with giving strategic direction to their MBA programs. As a result of his leadership, Carlson improved its national rankings and made the U.S. News and World Report top 25 list.

Following his time at Carlson, he went to the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, where he served as assistant dean and executive director for the MBA programs. Their goal was to be ranked among the top tier of business schools, and under Lindblad’s leadership the Financial Times ranked them No. 21. In his present capacity as Assistant Dean and Director of the MBA program at the Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine, his job has been to rebuild and transform the full-time MBA program.

Lindblad said he values the integration of faith and learning and understands the importance of faith in the marketplace.

“Businesses benefit from the skill and innovative energy of Crowell graduates, who, along with their business toolkits, bring solid ethical commitments seasoned with salt and light and communicated with grace,” said Lindblad. “Entrepreneurs with a strong and articulate Christian faith can and should build profitable organizations that provide products and services for the common benefit of all in society as a witness to God’s goodness.”

Lindblad will serve as the second dean in Crowell’s history. Larry Strand, who has held the position since 1993, announced in June 2013 his plans to step down. Strand will continue to serve Biola in the years ahead with his many abilities and valuable experience.

Lindblad said he is excited about the opportunity to return to his alma mater to lead the Crowell School of Business.

“I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Crowell, along with the greater Biola community, to continue building on the school’s strong foundation and extending its impact and success in teaching, scholarship and service.”