Phoenix Seminary to be acquired by Biola University

Phoenix Seminary, a nondenominational conservative evangelical institution founded in 1988 and located in Scottsdale, Arizona, will be acquired by Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. The deal, initiated by Phoenix Seminary’s board in January, was unanimously approved by Biola’s trustees and will merge the two institutions under Talbot’s leadership. The acquisition elevates Talbot to the second-largest interdenominational seminary in the U.S., with campuses near Phoenix and Los Angeles, positioning it as the leading site for theological education west of the Rocky Mountains. Phoenix Seminary’s chairman, Ron Ogan, stated the decision was made after a year of prayerful consideration, not due to financial crisis, and aims to preserve the institution’s legacy. Biola University, an interdenominational conservative evangelical school established in 1952, shares Phoenix Seminary’s core theological principles, including a belief in scriptural inerrancy. The merger reflects a broader trend in theological education, where institutions seek partnerships to address enrollment declines and financial pressures. In 2025 alone, 16 nonprofit colleges announced closures due to financial challenges, according to *Inside Higher Ed*, highlighting the sector’s struggles. Phoenix Seminary’s leadership recognized shrinking market conditions and pursued the acquisition while maintaining financial stability. The new Talbot Seminary Phoenix is set to begin operations in mid-August, combining enrollments to solidify Talbot’s national standing. Chris Meinzer, senior director of the Association of Theological Schools, noted the merger aligns with shared missions and long-term strategic goals. Ed Stetzer, dean of Talbot School of Theology, confirmed the acquisition strengthens both institutions’ ability to fulfill their educational mandates. The merger also includes faculty like professor emeritus Wayne Grudem, known for works like *Systematic Theology* and co-founding the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.