Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland was Biola's 5th president. He served from 1952-1970. He was also a professor of Practical Theology at Talbot Theological Seminary.

Personal Background

The son of a Presbyterian minister, Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland was born September 4, 1900, in Fulton, California. When he was nine years of age, the family moved to Sausalito where he made his first public confession of faith in Jesus Christ.

Dr. Sutherland entered Occidental College in 1918. He grew spiritually as he heard messages at the Church of the Open Door by such well known speakers as Drs. C. I. Scofield, A. C. Gabelein, and Dr. R. A. Torrey. Dr. Sutherland became acquainted with Biola, since the church shared the same building. After graduation from Occidental College Dr. Sutherland worked for one year in the Pasadena YMCA Boys Division, and then entered Princeton Seminary in the fall of 1924.

Following his Princeton Seminary graduation, in 1927, Dr. Sutherland became pastor of the Grace Presbyterian Church in Highland Park, California, which T. C. Horton, co-founder of Biola, founded.

After serving two years in Highland Park, Dr. Sutherland joined Rev. Milow Jamison, founder and Director of the University Bible Club, the purpose of which was to do extensive Bible Club work among the students on the University of California Campus and to develop similar clubs on other campuses.

Biola Years

Dr. Sutherland's first official connection with Biola was in 1936, when he became Director of the Extension Department. According to him, acceptance of this position was absurd, from the human standpoint. The salary was $150.00 per month, and in those days Biola was usually several months behind in the payment of faculty salaries. However, he felt the Lord was leading him to Biola. He was with Biola three or four years before receiving anything like a full salary. Eventually, he became Director of Christian Service. He was then promoted to be dean during a crucial time for Biola. The School had just passed through the greatest financial crisis in its history.

President Louis Talbot delegated the responsibility of the development of the academic and the facilities to the Dean. Gradually, Dean Sutherland began to move the School from a Bible Institute to a College, with the addition of a Graduate School of Theology.

In September 1952, the Board of Directors appointed Dr. Sutherland as the fourth President of Biola. As President, Dr. Sutherland continued the progressive development of the School.

During the twenty-eight years as Dean and as President, he promoted other academic achievements, such as the move to the La Mirada Campus, the accreditation of the College by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and of Talbot Seminary by the American Association of Theological Schools.

In 1970, Dr. Sutherland concluded his presidency. He held the title of President Emeritus after his retirement. To the faculty, students, and friends of Biola, Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland is best known as "Doctor Sam”.

Taken from: the Biola Hall of Fame website. http://100.biola.edu/index.cfm?pageid=3.