It was Commencement at Biola University in May 2022 where Craig Prichard attended as a guest to celebrate his son, Will Prichard (B.A. ’22), earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Crowell School of Business. He had experienced three Biola commencement ceremonies already: one for his son Jonathan Prichard (B.A. ’17) one for his daughter Ingrid Prichard (B.A. ’20) and then one for Will, and it was at that moment sitting on Metzger Lawn when he thought, “It is my turn, I can do this here and now at Biola.”

He began the application process the following week. On May 10, 2025, Craig Prichard will cross the Biola commencement stage with his master’s in business administration (MBA). So will his son Will Prichard.

The father and son had their different reasons to pursue an MBA degree, and were approaching it with a near 40 year age difference and from opposite ends of their professional careers. Craig, a seasoned business professional who has been working at his current company for 20 years, wanted to broaden his expertise and be introduced to fresh solutions and ideas that he could implement in his work. Will, a recent graduate, wanted to further deepen his business knowledge and leadership skills before entering the workforce. The two overlapped as classmates a few times, sharing professors and class assignments.

“We had three classes together and worked on three projects together, including the capstone project in our final class,” said Craig. “What I treasure the most about walking through these classes and projects with Will is that few fathers [and sons] get the chance to work together in a formal learning environment as peers.”

Both of the graduates considered why the Crowell School of Business MBA degree was exactly the degree they wanted to pursue. Biola’s biblical integration and dedication to developing the student as much as their business acumen was the mutual selling point.

“What set Biola apart was the value system behind the education. At [another university], much of the curriculum leaned heavily into critical theory and secular worldviews I didn’t want to be immersed in,” said Will. “Biola offered academic rigor combined with a faith-driven foundation — something that mattered more to me than just getting another degree.”

Craig explained that he was interested in Biola’s MBA program because of the business faculty who possess real business experience and also the small class sizes. He also noted that it was innovative and malleable: able to adjust to what today’s business landscape looks like. Biola’s MBA program has even been further developed since Craig and Will started their degree, with the introduction of the reimagined Adaptive MBA degree, a program that is hallmarked by its ability to harness the latest technology, dynamic business developments and the cultivation of human-centric skills. Even so, Craig experienced Biola’s MBA program as dynamic and cutting-edge.

“I desired an MBA program that was nimble and able to pivot in the ever faster changing world. Industries, businesses and jobs are changing at a rapid pace with the addition of artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and cloud computing. During my time in the MBA program these forces intensified rapidly, Biola exhibited its ability to proactively alter class content, incorporate pertinent tools, add classes and meaningful interaction with the leading professionals in those fields,” said Craig.

Not only did the father/son duo gain applicable industry skills while completing their degrees, but they got to know each other as professionals, classmates and colleagues. Craig was naturally a bit more reflective on his own work experience when completing his degree, and noted that he and Will had many chances to discuss topics or relish in the shared experience.

“[Will] brought fresh eyes, new perspectives, prodding questions, new wisdom and current skills to each conversation, project and interaction,” said Craig. “I enjoyed observing him interacting with professors and other students as we worked on projects. Perhaps the richest experience for me in the intensive study of the MBA after many years in business, was my appreciation and ability to look back through the rear-view mirror, reflect on those experiences and share them with Will.”

Will, on the other hand, observed his father working hard and learned lessons of tenacity from a seasoned professional through late night study sessions next to his father.

“It was encouraging to see my dad working so hard at a stage of life when many would have slowed down,” said Will. “It reminded me that ‘figuring out what’s next’ is a lifelong process, not just something you face after undergrad. The challenge was late nights and being outworked by my dad. He was always ahead of schedule — asking me about readings or ideas when I was still catching up. The experience built a bond between us that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

Craig and Will Prichard are graduating with their MBA degrees on May 10, 2025 at 7 p.m. Come June, they will be working at the same company. For both of them, it is a degree well completed and a bond well forged.

Now is the time to apply to the Adaptive MBA Degree in the Crowell School of Business, where like Craig and Will experienced, courses are taught by experienced business professionals, the curriculum is constantly evolving based on today’s newest developments and every class is biblically integrated. Biola's commencement ceremonies are being held on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 at 7 p.m. A for both ceremonies are available on Biola's YouTube channel. 

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.