Dr. Timothy Dally has been selected as the next Dean of Hope International University’s Pacific Christian College of Ministry and Biblical Studies (PCCMBS). Dr. Dally has served as Professor of Biblical Studies at HIU for the past four years and will assume the role of Dean on June 1. He succeeds Dr. Joseph Grana, who will transition into semi-retirement after serving HIU for more than 30 years as professor and Dean.

“Dr. Tim Dally has done an amazing job as a faculty member,” says HIU President, Dr. Paul H. Alexander. “He is beloved by students, respected by his colleagues, and blends the best of academia with the best of church ministry. He is a very strong communicator and a great preacher!”

“I am a vision-driven person,” Dally commented. “I have a passion to awaken and empower students to change the world and am really eager to work with our new President. I love hearing him dream about the future, and I want to be part of helping make good things happen.” 

As an undergraduate student, Tim says his goals in life were to “play basketball, race cars, and become Picasso.” After experiencing a very painful personal loss, he began to feel a growing desire to inspire people and to make a difference in their lives. He had enjoyed working with students in a Christian athletics association, so he decided to become a youth pastor.

“I didn’t like public speaking,” he admitted, “and I thought I could be a youth pastor, because I wouldn’t have to preach.”

Dally served as Youth Pastor at Rochester Christian Church in Illinois for eight years, and then as Lead Pastor for another nine years. His journey to HIU included church planting in Colorado (Discovery Church, near Boulder) and pastoring in Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and Pasadena. In addition to teaching and mentoring, Dally worked as a Chaplain, and he helped start 10/10, a non-profit organization focused on providing microfinancing for small businesses in Kenya. He was serving as Pastor at Pasadena Covenant Church when Dr. Joe Grana invited him to teach classes at HIU.  

Ironically, although Professor Dally disliked schoolwork as much as public speaking, he still completed his doctoral program while his children were in college. In fact, most of his educational pursuits occurred while his kids were also in school, underscoring Dally’s commitment to lifelong learning. Despite his personal aversion to school, he thoroughly enjoys teaching and working with students both inside and outside of the classroom, helping them achieve their goals, and inspiring them to impact the world for Christ.

Dr. Dally was surprised when Dr. Grana approached him about the Dean’s position. “I’ve never been pre-occupied with my own aspirations,” Dally said.  “I just want to be close to Jesus and the next adventure we might tackle – I’ve loved the surprises along the journey!”

After June 1, Grana will continue to work with HIU alumni and visit supporting churches on a part-time basis, and will also be preaching/teaching at Refinery Christian Church in Goodyear, AZ, 8-10 Sundays per year. Dr. Dally is grateful for the opportunity to continue working with Dr. Grana for the next several months leading up to the transition.

Tim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Literature from Ozark Christian College, a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from University of Illinois, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.  He and his wife, Elaine, who were college sweethearts, now live in Fullerton. They have four grown children and six grandchildren.

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