Weightier Worship - Biola University

In Memoriam
Former President J. Richard Chase, 1930-2010
For nearly three decades, J. Richard Chase
was a towering figure on Biola’s campus —
both in stature and influence.
First as a student, then as a professor,
administrator and, ultimately, Biola’s sixth
president from 1970 to 1982, Chase was a man of
great integrity who modeled academic curiosity
and Christian character throughout his life.
The 79-year-old former president, who
became known nationally for his effective
leadership at Biola and later at Wheaton College
in Illinois, died Aug. 20 at his retirement
community near Wheaton. In addition to his
many professional accomplishments, which
include paving the way for Biola to transition
from a college to a university, Chase is remem -
bered as an eloquent speaker, a gracious leader
and a friend to students.
F A L L ’ 1 0
“The strength and position of Biola Uni -
versity today can be credited in large part to
Richard and Mary Chase and their unwavering,
inspiring commitment to godly living and
Christ-honoring education,” said current Biola
Presi dent Barry H. Corey.
Chase’s ties to Biola ran deep. He enrolled
at Biola in 1948, and while still a student
married his high school sweetheart, Mary — the
daughter of the man who would soon become
Biola’s fifth president, Sam Sutherland. After
graduating from Biola with a Bachelor of
Theology degree in 1951, Chase went on to earn
a B.A. in speech education and an M.A. in
speech from Pepperdine Uni ver sity. During this
time, he taught classes in Biola’s speech
department, and eventually became a full-time
professor, while also serving as a pastor.
R E D R E P O R T
After leaving Southern California in 1956 to
earn his Ph.D in speech from Cornell University,
Chase returned to Biola in 1961, where he was
instrumental in developing the forensics program
and debate teams. He served as chair man of the
speech department and humanities division, and
in 1965, was appoint ed vice president for
academic affairs. In 1970, he became the sixth and
youngest president of Biola College, succeeding
his father-in-law at the age of 39.
During his 12-year tenure as president,
Chase initiated several new programs, oversaw
the acquisition of Rosemead School of Psych -
ology and ultimately transitioned Biola from a
college to university. At the same time, he was a
favorite of students — frequently welcoming
them into his home, delivering memorable
chapel messages and even suiting up for intra -
mural basketball.
“One of the great burdens of the president’s
office is the realization that the pattern for growth
is best taught by example,” he once wrote. “Neither
the president nor the faculty member can educate
effectively by mere declaration; it is better done by
demonstration. You can’t legislate educational
maturity any more than you can program true
spirituality, but both are contagious.”
After his departure from Biola in 1982 to
serve as president of Wheaton College, Chase
continued his stellar academic career until his
retirement in 1993. In 1986, the Religious
Heritage of America Foundation named Chase
“America’s Outstanding Educator.” In the same
year, he was listed among the 100 most effective
college presidents in America in a nationwide
survey reported in The Chronicle of Higher
Education. He also served as the first chairman
of the board of the Council for Christian
Colleges & Universities.
At Biola University, Chase’s legacy is
recognized by a building named in his honor,
Chase Gymnasium. Additionally, at Biola’s 100th
anniversary Legacy Gala in February of 2008,
Biola awarded Chase a Legacy Award for a
distinguished lifetime of leadership and service.
Chase is survived by his wife, Mary; two
children, Kenneth Chase and Jennifer Chase
Barnard; and seven grandchildren.
To see a video honoring the memory of
J. Richard Chase, visit www.biola.edu/biolamag
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