An interview with Dr. Michael Arena, Biola’s new Dean of Biola University’s Crowell School of Business
Below is a summarized transcript in condensed form:
Q: Tell me about your role with Biola and the start of the AI Lab.
A: I’m new to Biola from industry, previously with AWS (Amazon Web Services). When I arrived, I thought about what a modern business school should look like, especially as a Christian institution. AI was at the top of the list, both for future-proofing students and for business excellence. I started brainstorming and discussing with a student interested in AI, which led to monthly meetings with students and faculty. This eventually became a campus-wide AI Lab involving ten faculty members from various disciplines.
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Q: Why is it important for believers to engage with emerging technology like AI?
A: AI is here to stay, with a 270% adoption rate over the last few years and projections of significant economic impact. As believers, we need to be proactive, shaping AI for good rather than becoming victims of it. We are created in God’s image, so we must play a role in leveraging AI for positive impact. Andrew Yang from Stanford says we should understand and shape AI rather than fear it, a perspective we embrace at Biola.
Q: Can you share some current AI projects at Biola?
A: We have an AI club where students debate and discuss AI’s impact on jobs and society. We’re developing AI chatbots for admissions and advisory services, and students are using AI in their venture projects. One project involves an AI platform similar to gotquestions.com, drawing from theologically sound databases. Another project is new software for Christian camps, simplifying operations with AI. We’re launching an AI studio to support ventures and partner with Kingdom-minded organizations, helping them leverage AI for development and outreach.
We’re launching an AI studio to support ventures and partner with Kingdom-minded organizations, helping them leverage AI for development and outreach.
Dr. Michael Arena
Q: What are the potential pitfalls of AI, and how do you address them with your students and the business community?
A: We’ve established biblically-centered values like ethical discernment and human dignity. We debate these values in student clubs to prepare them for real-world challenges. AI should elevate human dignity and not replace human relationships or the creative process. We focus on what AI should be allowed to do, ensuring it serves us without undermining our faith or values.
Q: Where do you see AI at Biola in five years?
A: AI has tremendous Kingdom impact potential. It can level the playing field for underrepresented groups and accelerate gospel outreach, like translating content into multiple languages. AI is like an adolescent; it needs ethical guidance, which Biola provides. We aim to shape AI with our values, impacting both technology and the ethical foundations underlying it.
Q: How did your move from AWS to Biola prepare you for your current role?
A: My time at Amazon was valuable but challenged my faith due to its intense culture. After a year of prayer, I felt called to balance my faith and work better. An unexpected opportunity at Biola arose, aligning with my passion for helping the “loneliness generation” (18-24-year-olds). This led me to move from North Carolina to California to pursue this mission at Biola.
Q: Amazing, thank you so much. This has been enlightening and inspiring.
