APU Articles
Faculty Feature: David Miyahara, PhD Celebrates 30th Year of Supporting Sociology Students at APU
October 25, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences
After moving to Los Angeles so that his wife could pursue a pediatric medicine residency, David Miyahara, PhD, found that his love for teaching in the college classroom setting could become a career reality at Azusa Pacific University. After starting as an adjunct professor, Miyahara is now an associate professor in the Department of Sociology, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and Modern Languages. Miyahara is celebrating his 30th year as a full time professor at APU, and his passion for teaching and working with his students has only grown stronger.
Community Garden Promotes Student Well-Being and Increased Connection
October 23, 2024 | service
APU's Community Garden has four primary goals: growing produce for student consumption, creating a space outside the classroom for faculty/staff interaction with students, supporting collaborative learning on campus, and facilitating community outreach.
Aidan Oslob’s Summer Shadowing at The Institute of Oncology Veneto
October 21, 2024
Medical schools require applicants to have completed at least 200 shadowing hours to be competitive with other candidates. While most undergraduate students get their hours at local hospitals, Aidan Oslob ’26, a biochemistry major in the premed program, had the opportunity to shadow at the Oncology Institute of Veneto in Padua, Italy over the summer.
Staff Saturday: Randy Berk Finds his Calling in Landscaping at APU for 45 Years
October 19, 2024
Randy Berk has served APU for more than 45 years. As the manager of Landscape Services, Randy implements his love for God, plants, and community in all he does. In January he will be retiring, a bittersweet milestone as many will miss seeing him wave as he drives by on his tractor.
Faculty Feature: Sharon Titus, PhD, Serves God as a Nurse Educator and Missionary
October 18, 2024 | Nursing
Sharon Titus, PhD, MSN, RN, found God when she was a child and never looked back. Her faith is what drives her to serve the Lord, whether through nursing, missionary work, or connecting with students. She sets an excellent example of what it means to love God and love others well.
Staff Saturday: Todd Emerson ’92, DO, ABFP Provides Holistic Care as Medical Director of the Student Health Center
October 12, 2024
Todd Emerson’s ’92, DO, ABFP journey as a doctor is one of adventure, enthusiasm, and an overall determination to follow God’s calling for his life. As the medical director of the student health center, Emerson ensures all APU students have a place to go when they are in need of medical attention.
Faculty Feature: HeeKap Lee, PhD, Approaches Teaching With Jesus as a Model
October 11, 2024 | Education
HeeKap Lee, PhD, believes that learning should be fun, and the more we engage together in the classroom, the more we can make a difference in each others’ lives. As a professor in the MA in Education program, HeeKap incorporates faith by teaching students to teach like Jesus did.
Staff Saturday: Erin Thorp ’96, MA ’13 Enriches Students’ Lives by Helping Them Explore Their Calling
October 05, 2024
Erin Thorp ’96, MA ’13 has always been drawn to making a difference in students’ lives. As a former teacher and worker in global outreach ministries, Thorp’s interest in cultivating a love for learning in students led her to return to APU. She is happy to serve as the interim director of the Center for Community-Engaged Learning (CCEL).
Faculty Feature: Elijah Roth, PhD, Lives Out His Calling Teaching Faith Through Chemistry
October 04, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences
While secular higher education institutions provide great science education, Azusa Pacific University's faith integration aspect into all fields of study adds a deeper level of meaning to science for students. Elijah Roth, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, believes that authentic faith integration can help students to flourish in the classroom and beyond.
Alumni Feature: Kelly Schlenz ’03, MA ’11 Lives Out His God-Given Calling as Executive Director of Idyllwild Pines Camp
October 02, 2024 | Alumni
By serving as the executive director of Idyllwild Pines Camp, Kelly Schlenz ’03, MA ’11 makes a difference in many people’s lives in the same place that shaped him growing up. His years at APU as a student and employee provided him with the tools to foster community and practice Christ-centered leadership.
Alumni Feature: Tom Scott ’15 Navigates the Film Industry While Keeping God First
September 30, 2024
Tom Scott ’15 came to APU with a God-given dream to pursue cinema. He graduated with more than just the skills to produce meaningful films, but with the rigor to keep God First. Scott has now worked for companies like Netflix, Dreamworks, and Disney, and is currently working on a major animated film called David, inspired by the biblical story.
Staff Saturday: Sarah Hernandez Brings Hope as Student Placement Coordinator
September 28, 2024
As a child, Sarah Hernandez dreamed of becoming a teacher. While God called her into a different career path, Hernandez’s passion for creating an inviting classroom experience makes Hernandez an excellent student placement coordinator in APU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
Alumni Feature: Boaz Goss ’13 Awarded Teacher of the Year in Fort Worth by Combining Christ and Scholarship
September 26, 2024 | Alumni
Azusa Pacific University students find that their positive experiences with faculty members is part of what sets their college experience apart from others. Faculty’s dedication to helping their students grow in their respective fields and genuine care for their wellbeing was what influenced Boaz Goss ’13 to become a teacher.
Faculty Feature: Sam Girguis, PsyD, Embraces Forming Strong Connections With Students
September 26, 2024 | Behavioral Sciences
Samuel Girguis, PsyD, became interested in the field of psychology through a ministry opportunity while in college. God led him down a path of becoming a clinical psychologist, and now he gets to walk alongside students in APU’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program.
Alumni Feature: Kelsey (Maher) Cruz ’17 Lives Her Dream as a Voice Actor
September 25, 2024 | Alumni
Kelsey (Maher) Cruz ’17 is a voice actor who has worked on prominent anime shows such as One Piece, SpyxFamily, and Attack on Titan. From talking elephants, to scientists, and magical creatures Cruz loves getting to discover new parts of her personality by portraying different characters. She embraces the talents God instilled in her to make a difference.
