APU Articles
Leading with Discernment
August 01, 2023
If you’re like me, you’ve had countless moments throughout your lifetime when key decisions are before you and your waking hours are consumed with efforts to discern the will of God. I remember a time in 1988 when I was asking God if the girl I was dating would someday become my wife. Faith and I will celebrate 34 years of marriage this summer. I also recall the purchase of our first car and our first home, our decision to move from one church to another, and many other key decisions where we looked to God for wisdom and direction.
What Does Undergraduate Mean?
July 31, 2023
Living on Campus vs. off Campus: 4 Things to Consider
July 28, 2023
Where you live during college plays a major role in shaping your overall experience. There’s no wrong decision when choosing between living on campus vs. off campus, but there are plenty of aspects to weigh as you decide. Whether you’re an incoming freshman or an upcoming senior, read on to explore some key factors that can help you make the best choice for you.
5 Tips for Your First College Move-In Day
July 27, 2023
APU Hosts “Human Flourishing in the Age of AI” Conference
July 26, 2023
While artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the hottest topics in 2023, with countless new developments, many people don’t fully understand what AI is and its possible benefits and potential dangers. Azusa Pacific University’s Center for Research in Science (CRIS) recently hosted a conference entitled “Human Flourishing in the Age of AI,” featuring experts across a variety of fields. “We hope participants walked away from the symposium with a deeper understanding and less fear of AI’s impact on society through actively engaged discussions on how to harness its potential for human flourishing,” said Louise Ko Huang, PhD, director of CRIS. “It was refreshing to hear differing views without arguments. Everyone listened and took the time to understand perspectives different from their own.”
Going to College as an Adult: How to Navigate the Experience
July 24, 2023
Back when you graduated from high school, college wasn’t the next step for you. Maybe you wanted a break from academic life, you needed to work full-time to support your family, or you were eager to join the working world.
Faculty Feature: Phil Cox Encourages Students to Pursue their Dreams
July 21, 2023
Phil Cox, PhD, will never forget his first biochemistry class at Azusa Pacific University. Having just finished his doctorate in pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University, Cox made the decision to go into teaching, unlike many of his peers at Hopkins who chose a career in research. His first class, Principles of Biochemistry, in spring 2017 taught him a lot. “I remember inviting students over to my house for dinner, helping students out during office hours, and the real privilege of students talking with me about the uncertainties in their classes and in their life,” he said.
$200,000 NSF Grant Supports Students STEM Identity through Learning Assistant Program
July 19, 2023
Azusa Pacific University is dedicated to cultivating student success in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs. The university recently received a $199,996 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study the effectiveness of learning assistants in the classroom and the experiences of historically underrepresented students in STEM, while providing funding for an additional 10 learning assistants per semester over the next two years. The grant was secured by a team of APU faculty including Bradley “Peanut” McCoy, PhD, Elijah Roth, PhD, Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, PhD, Marian Saleh, MA, MS, and Sharon McCathern, PhD.
Faculty Friday: Michelle Cox Sees Impact Through Ripple Effect
June 23, 2023
Michelle Cox,PhD, loves helping people determine their purpose in life. As the director of Azusa Pacific University’s school counseling program, Cox has equipped thousands of students during her time at APU to become difference makers. “I feel that my calling is to really help others identify their calling,” she said. “I love empowering my students to meet their God given potential.”
Faculty Friday: Mark Gasbarro — Renowned Pianist Brings the Best in Both Music and Teaching
June 16, 2023
Star Trek Beyond, Jurassic World, Whiplash, Jojo Rabbit, and Tomorrowland, are just a few of the films professor Mark Gasbarro has worked on as a pianist. Along with these, Gasbarro has contributed to a number of TV shows, video games, and Pixar films, such as Inside Out, Ratatouille, Cars 2, Coco, The Incredibles, and Up as the film’s piano soloist. Gasbarro also has extensive experience composing, arranging, orchestrating, and producing. Amidst his many projects and career success, he also teaches in Azusa Pacific University’s renowned School of Music. As the director of undergraduate composition studies, Gasbarro conducts the studio orchestra and teaches applied composition, applied piano, and songwriting.
What Are the Most In-Demand Jobs of the Future?
June 14, 2023
How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate College?
June 08, 2023
Whether you’re getting ready to apply to colleges or you already have a few classes under your belt, understanding what it takes to complete your degree can be as daunting as it is exciting. For example, how many credits do you need to graduate college?
Helena Mayer ’20: Reaching the Lost Through Music
June 07, 2023
When Helena Mayer ’20 began her career, she had a pivotal choice to make. Although she had studied worship music at Azusa Pacific University, she felt unsettled about going into a career in Christian music. “I prayed and asked God what He wanted from me. I heard Him say ‘I want you to reach the lost,’” she said. “I feel called to be at the beginning stage of people’s faith journeys. For people who have turned around because they’ve been so hurt by the church, I want my songs to start the process of showing them there’s something more, something worth living for even if that’s not under the description of Christian music.”
