APU Articles
Pathways to Leadership: Equipping California’s Superintendents for Success
August 29, 2022
When Katie Russell became superintendent of the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District in the greater Bakersfield area in 2020, she was the first woman and first African American to be senior leader of the district. Though skilled and seasoned, she recognized she would need more to succeed and serve her district well. She immediately began looking at doctoral programs and soon selected Azusa Pacific University, committing time and miles to make the commute to Azusa for Saturday classes, while completing other work online.
Undergraduate Research: Training the Next Generation of Scientists
August 22, 2022
Just two years after graduating from Azusa Pacific, Hannah Valencia ’20 is already applying the knowledge and hands-on training acquired through her biology major and excelling as a research associate in the laboratory of Yuman Fong, MD, at City of Hope. Her work involves developing novel immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer, and she is already a featured author of a journal article published in Molecular Therapy Methods and Clinical Development for her contributions to a research study on treating breast cancer. The accomplished young scientist credits her success to the skills she cultivated as an undergraduate researcher at APU under the mentorship of Sarah Richart, PhD, professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry.
Thriving During Freshman Year: Advice from Current APU Students
August 19, 2022
Whether you’re coming to Azusa Pacific University from high school, a gap year, or the workforce, the transition to college can be simultaneously thrilling and stressful. Meeting new friends, moving onto campus, and building routines are exciting adventures in this transitory time. However you may be feeling, you are not alone in the journey. Many other students have been in the same place you are, and have wisdom to offer for how to approach your freshman year in the right way. Here are a few tips, featuring insights from current APU students, to help you thrive as you begin your collegiate journey at APU.
Breaking Barriers: Randall Trice '19, '20 Provides Foster Youth with Shoes for Grades
August 18, 2022
Randall Trice '19, '20 got lost on his first day of school at Azusa Pacific University. As he tried to find the way to his theology class, his nerves began to grow. When he finally stumbled into the classroom, his professor, Paul Shrier, looked at him with compassion and asked if he was looking for theology. Trice nodded and Shrier replied, “Well then, you’re in the right spot. Have a seat.”
Sacred Encounters throughout APU’s History
August 15, 2022
The still waters of the baptismal pond, the worship-filled walls of Upper Turner Campus Center, a buzzing classroom moments before a lecture—APU holds a special place of encounter for all. Wherever you find yourself on campus, the Holy Spirit has been, and is still, at work. Several of APU’s leaders, past and present, reflect upon significant moments throughout our history when God has moved in miraculous and powerful ways.
Manuel Camacho: My Faith Comes First
August 12, 2022
When Manuel Camacho walks across the stage at Azusa Pacific University’s commencement ceremony in May 2023, he will have accomplished a lifelong goal: to become the first person in his family to graduate from college. Camacho’s hard work led to this moment, but it wouldn’t have been possible alone.“I have a lot of my family rooting for me, helping me stay focused on graduating,” he said. “I want to make them proud.”
Out of this World: A Snapshot of APU’s Engineering and Computer Science CubeSat Program
August 10, 2022
Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) is dedicated to preparing difference makers in the fields of computer science, computer information systems, and engineering. In 2020, the department launched a CubeSat program, providing students the opportunity to work in teams with peers and faculty mentors to design satellite technology.
Kendall Hood: My Art Connects Me to God
August 04, 2022
When Kendall Hood ‘25 decided to take a gap year after graduating from high school in 2020, it was truly a leap of faith. Hood had a dream on the line: She wanted to pursue a career in animation and felt that the best place to do that was a Christian university with an animation program led by professors with significant experience in the industry. Azusa Pacific University fit that bill perfectly. “During my gap year, I prayed and prayed that God would call me to APU, but it was way out of my family’s budget,” she said. “My dreams came true when I found out that I had received a Trustee’s Scholarship. I felt like it was a sign from God. I couldn’t do it on my own strength. He opened the door for me. Now it’s my job to continue pursuing my dream by working hard and doing all that I can.”
Tips for the First Day of College: How to Succeed as a First-Generation Student
August 03, 2022
Being a first-generation college student is a wonderful accomplishment that your family should be proud of. Their support is essential, but they may be unable to offer advice for how to thrive in a collegiate environment. Fortunately, many people at Azusa Pacific University are committed to helping you succeed.
Tips for Success: How to Ask for Advice from a Professor
August 01, 2022
Knowing how to ask for advice from a professor can be crucial to your overall college success. Learning to communicate with your professors is a valuable skill that can help you long after graduation!
How to Help Your Student Return to College After Taking a Gap Year
July 27, 2022
Whether your college student was taking a gap year for rest and reflection, work, travel, or because of the pandemic, they weren’t alone. Time magazine reported that in 2020 alone, more than 7 million students canceled their fall enrollment plans to prepare for a gap year.
Innovative Learning Assistant Program Provides Peer Support to Increase Student Success
July 26, 2022
One of the biggest challenges for students entering college is figuring out how to succeed in rigorous classes that push their learning abilities. Even introductory courses can cause students to struggle if they don’t have proper support to help them learn. After class, they can seek tutoring or attend office hours, but how can they get extra help during class when they’re confused and need assistance? A team of Azusa Pacific University faculty including Bradley McCoy, PhD; Elijah Roth, PhD; Marian Saleh, MA, MS; Kevin Sheng-Lin Huang, PhD; Sharon McCathern, PhD; and Tom Allbaugh,PhD; received a $30,000 award as part of the President’s Scholarship Enhancement Grant to develop a learning assistant program, providing a solution to this challenge.
Scholarship Application Essay: 14 Tips to Make Yours Shine
July 25, 2022
Scholarships are a great way to offset the cost of a college education, so it’s smart to apply for as many as you can. Many of them require a scholarship application essay or a personal statement. What you write and how you express yourself can be crucial in catching the interest of the scholarship judges. These 14 tips can help you write strong essays that will improve your odds of being awarded valuable financial support.
