APU Articles
Dominique Johnson '10: Pouring into the Next Generation
January 17, 2024
Dominique Johnson ’10 is driven to pour into the next generation. After 13 years playing professional basketball in the NBA D-League, for many international teams, and in the Big3, Johnson returned to Azusa Pacific University to serve as assistant coach on the men’s basketball team. “I wanted to share my knowledge and experience,” Johnson said. “I talked with (head coach) Pete Bond and he said I should start here. I’m grateful for the opportunity and it’s been great to be back at APU.” Johnson’s journey back to his alma mater was a long one, filled with lots of life lessons that he hopes to pass on.
A Commitment to Biblical Diversity
January 14, 2024
Imagine a university community where all students, faculty, staff, and administrators experience a heightened sense of community and belonging—an open-enrolled, Christ-centered community where all employees and students are seen, spiritually formed, intellectually stimulated, socially connected, and culturally adept with faith-informed resolve to advance the work of God in the world. Imagine a community where there are no disparities in success outcomes across diverse categorical lines. Envision a university community where all faculty, staff, and students are thriving and experiencing:
Faculty Friday: Brian Plummer Spreads Joy by Fulfilling His Purpose
January 12, 2024
Brian Plummer, PhD, is known among students for offering words of affirmation at the end of each class, sharing wisdom and “rules to live by” at the end of the semester, and ultimately using his humor and optimism to create a lasting impact. He frequently tells them, “stay beautiful,” “you matter,” “Plummer loves ya,” and many other encouraging phrases. His role as a history and political science professor combines his passion for mentorship, storytelling, and faith in Christ.
International Voices: David Saenz ’24 Seeks to Inspire and Uplift Through Film and Building Community
January 10, 2024
When a family is grounded like a sturdy tree, even the most torrential weather cannot tear them apart. David Saenz ’24, who grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, attributes his bravery, adaptability, and faith to his family. He carries immense passion for filmmaking, remains rooted in his Mexican culture, and hopes to share an aura of positivity in every smile to someone across campus, conversation with someone new, and act of kindness to a stranger.
Going for the Gold: Natalie ('17) and Chris Meinhold ('20) Make an Impact Through Physical Therapy
January 03, 2024
As sneakers skid across the gym floor and the basketball is passed from player to player, physical therapists Natalie (Peterson) ’17 Chris Meinhold ’20 watch closeby—ready to provide critical on the court assistance as needed and cheering on the players they’ve trained with over the course of the past two weeks. The basketball swishes, and their team—the USA men’s deaf basketball team—wins the 2023 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Heraklion, Greece as the crowd erupts in cheers. The USA women’s team follows suit.
International Voices: Camille Campbell ’25 Adapts Through Changes and Cultural Identities
December 13, 2023
At six-years-old, Camille Campbell, ’25, moved with her family from Philadelphia to a city near Paris, France. Campbell’s father, a pastor, felt called to pursue ministry, and after falling in love with French culture on previous mission trips, his family joined him on a life-changing expedition.
International Voices: Heejae Jeong’s Diligence, Perseverance, and Jeong
December 12, 2023
The Korean word jeong means intimate connection between people in community. Heejae Jeong, ’26, embodies jeong, demonstrating a love for deepening relationships with others and striving to share the joy he finds in Christ with everyone he encounters. His dedication to worshiping God through community led him to pursue a degree in international relations and honors humanities.
International Voices: Victoria Gautto ’24 Discovers Endless Possibilities While Following Her Dreams
December 11, 2023
When she was six-years-old, Victoria Gautto, ’24, was walking around Canoas, Brazil with her family as they heard an array of winds, chimes, and basses. Following the sounds, they found a local social project with a mission to help people from all walks of life have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument. Music ran in Gautto’s family, as her father sang and played guitar in a band, and her younger sister participated in marching bands, so Gautto’s lifelong pursuit of music gradually began. Her journey to Azusa Pacific University to earn her Masters in Music in Clarinet Performance was one of perseverance, faith, and diligence toward her craft as a clarinet player.
Faculty Friday: Kat Ross’ Versatility as an Author and Receptiveness to the Doors God Opens
December 08, 2023
All throughout life, doors open and close. While some only stay open for a season, others last a lifetime. For Kathryn Ross ’15, MA ’18, she never imagined that English would be her major, her hobbies would become a career, and she would stand in front of a classroom of students eager to hear what she has to teach. By stepping through the doors God opened for her, Ross has discovered value in vulnerability, developed deep relationships with a heart for knowing others well, and pursued truth and goodness through everything she writes.
Student Spotlight: Tyler Jones ’24 Strives to Be a Light
December 07, 2023
Tyler Jones ’24 aims to be a light in the lives of others. A senior communication management major with a psychology minor, Jones felt called to Azusa Pacific University after learning about what the school stood for as a God First institution, which matched his values. He was thrilled to find out he had received a multi-ethnic leadership (MEL) scholarship on top of his academic award and financial aid. “The scholarships lined up perfectly,” Jones said. “They made it possible for me to come to APU and I’m grateful.”
Faculty Friday: Mark Cawman’s Leadership with Love
December 01, 2023
Titles and accolades cannot compare to the joy of loving someone. For professor Mark Cawman, DBA, the birth of his daughter almost five years ago transformed his life, and was worth more than any salary, position, or recognition. Becoming a father led him to leave his corporate career behind, pursuing teaching full-time in order to follow his true vocation, while giving him more time with his family.
Cultivating Transformation in the Sciences: Kevin and Louise Huang
November 20, 2023
When Kevin and Louise Huang first met at church as graduate students at UC Davis, little did they know their time in California and with each other was just beginning. After getting married, the Huangs lived in Connecticut while Kevin completed postdoctoral research at Yale University. When the time came for Kevin to search for a full-time faculty position, he and Louise asked the Lord to lead the way. “We laid out all the manilla envelopes with job applications and laid hands on them and just asked the Lord to bring us to a place where we can serve Him and where we can also learn and grow,” said Louise. “We really think that APU is truly one of our biggest answered prayers.”
Faculty Friday: Candice Williams’ Heart for Justice and Openness to Uncharted Roads
November 17, 2023
Oftentimes, choosing a career path feels like deciding a destination, following a route based on a map’s depiction, and continuously moving in one direction. For Candice Williams, PhD, her career journey presented detours, ultimately leading her to a profession she never thought she would enter: the criminal justice field. Embarking on a path of research, professorship, and mentorship, led her to fulfill what she believes God called her to do. The core of Williams’ career stems from a heart for helping people thrive, implementing fair strategies and resources, and approaching every opportunity with the desire to learn more.
Student Spotlight: J.J. Navarette Encourages Belonging
November 14, 2023
J.J. Navarette ’24 loves helping students find belonging at Azusa Pacific University. As a transfer student, Navarette struggled at first to find her place and her people at APU, but that all changed during her second semester on campus. “I knew college was supposed to be about creating meaningful experiences and forming lasting friendships. I wanted that,” she said. “When I joined the Alpha program last fall, I found what I was looking for. I found my purpose.”
