APU Articles
Faculty Friday: John Burdett ’01 Cultivates Leaders Through Music
February 21, 2025 | Music
John Burdett ’01, EdD, had a transformational experience as a student at Azusa Pacific University. He has since dedicated himself to helping his students grow into strong leaders through music.
Student Spotlight: Emma Sanchez ’25 Deepens her Love for Christ and Learning
February 18, 2025 | Honors College, Humanities and Sciences
Emma Sanchez '25 has made the most of her college career. She is studying biology and honors humanities.
Staff Saturday: Bethany Blomquist Gives Glory to God as Assistant Athletics Director for Internal Operations
February 15, 2025
Bethany Blomquist coaches, supports athletes, and glorifies God.
Faculty Friday: Bala Musa MA ’12, PhD, Teaches Communication Through Friendship
February 14, 2025 | Business
Bala Musa MA ’12, PhD, professor of organizational leadership and communication, finds that having communication skills is a great way to create friendships and strengthen one’s faith. His love for teaching inspired him to integrate Christian values with his passion for communication into the classroom.
Community Engagement: APU Volunteers Collaborate with the Community and Food ED on Green Care Day
February 13, 2025 | service
APU students help fulfill needs in the community through collaborative volunteer opportunities such as Green Care Day, an annual event put on by Food ED.
APU’s Ethnic Organizations Connect and Uplift Students’ Stories
February 13, 2025
APU’s ethnic organizations foster diversity, unity, and belonging by giving students spaces to share their unique stories and celebrate cultural heritage.
The Value of a Lifelong Student-Professor Relationship
February 10, 2025 | Alumni, Theology
When William Johnston ’16 began his collegiate journey at APU he knew that he wanted to make the most of his experience. As he walked into his CLFM class the first week of school, Johnston met Matt Elofson, PhD, a professor who would not only become a trusted mentor, but also a lifelong friend.
Staff Saturday: Leslie Castro-Kolta, MBM ’22, Helps Employees Reach Their Full Potential
February 08, 2025
Leslie Castro-Kolta, MBM '22, uses her gifts to make a difference. As a business partner in APU's Office of Human Resources, Leslie is passionate about implementing her skills to create a positive impact for her colleagues.
Faculty Friday: Nori Henk ’00, PhD, Pursues Academic Excellence and Spiritual Growth
February 07, 2025 | Humanities and Sciences
For Nori Henk, ’00, PhD, sociology professor, ethnic studies program director, and chair of the Departments of Political Science, History, and Sociology, Modern Languages, and TESOL, and the former faculty moderator, Azusa Pacific University opened up pathways that she had not thought possible.
APU Student Government Association Serves Christ Through Accessibility and Advocacy for Students
February 04, 2025
Azusa Pacific University's Student Government Association (SGA) was founded in 1945 and has since served as a key resource of cohesion, communication, and representation between APU students and administration. SGA believes that all student voices deserve to be heard and acts as advocates for the student body’s questions and concerns.
Staff Saturday: Heather Snyder ’99, MA ’09, Enhances Students’ Experiences as Director of Auxiliary Services
February 01, 2025
Heather Snyder '99, MA '09, entered APU with a heart for studying psychology in order to make a difference in people's lives. As director of Auxiliary Services, she gets to do just that through meaningful conversations and experiences with students.
Faculty Feature: Ismael Lopez Medel, PhD, Teaches Students to Embrace Uncertainty by Placing Their Faith in Christ
January 31, 2025 | Communication
Ismael Lopez Medel, PhD, has taught at APU for more than a decade. He built the university’s public relations program (now digital and strategic marketing), and serves the community by mentoring students to walk with the Lord as they discover their vocation.
Alumni Feature: Jason Wong PsyD ’19 Cares for Others Through Clinical Psychology
January 29, 2025 | Alumni, Behavioral Sciences
Some people are called to directly help others, and Jason Wong PsyD ’19 knew that he wanted to help as many people as possible. After graduating from Azusa Pacific University with a doctorate in clinical psychology (PsyD), he found a passion for connecting with and helping college students through mental health challenges.
Alumni Feature: Ruben Niebla’ 96 Finds Success in His Calling as Padres’ Pitching Coach
January 27, 2025
While his ultimate dream was to play baseball in the MLB, Ruben Niebla '96 is living his new dream as the San Diego Padres pitching coach. He is dedicated to helping pitchers achieve their full potential and ensuring players are in tune with their body. Niebla credits Azusa Pacific University’s baseball program with helping him advance in his career into the MLB as both a player and as a coach.
Staff Saturday: Coba Canales ’06, EdD, Plants Seeds to Cultivate Student Growth
January 25, 2025
Coba Canales '06, EdD, entered APU as an undergraduate eager to pursue ministry, strengthen his athletic skills, and form lifelong bonds within a rich community. Having given back to the university in pastoral roles, Canales is grateful to serve students alongside their spiritual journey. He now serves as dean of students.
