APU Articles
APU’s School of Business: A Leader in Innovation
May 15, 2023
Azusa Pacific University’s School of Business and Management (SBM) is constantly innovating and adapting to fit the needs of today’s students. Led by interim dean Roxanne Helm-Stevens, DBA, and a host of accomplished faculty, the SBM has expanded their offerings to provide students with ways to get ahead before they graduate.
Faculty Friday: Traci Birge — Helping Students Discover Who God has Called Them to Be
May 12, 2023
Ever since she was a child, Traci Birge, PhD, felt Jesus was real, even if she didn’t always know what that meant. As she grew up, her faith only strengthened and led her to a Christian university in Western New York. In college, however, her childlike connection to God was shattered after suffering trauma and tragedy that made her simple faith seem flimsy and incomplete. Frustrated and feeling unsettled with the answers from her youth, Birge turned to her Bible professors at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York. With her professors, she found a safe place to ask her questions about God and, through the grace, patience, and instruction of her educators, she began rebuilding her faith one biblical passage at a time. Now, as a professor in Azusa Pacific University’s School of Theology, Birge gets to help students wrestling with similar questions, guiding them as they learn more about God and refine their faith. “I’m not afraid of students who ask difficult questions. Truly, the only non-faithful response is to stop asking,” she said.
Jollyfisher Ekpe ’24: Striving to Bring Glory to God
May 11, 2023
For Jollyfisher (Jolly) Ekpe ’24, taking a leap of faith was as simple as one word—yes. Originally from Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Ekpe was hesitant to move far away from his family to attend college, so he prayed about it, asking God for guidance. “I got the most resounding yes that I’ve ever felt from the Lord in my life,” Ekpe said. “But it wasn’t just a voice, it was a yearning to go and see what God had for me at Azusa Pacific and He started opening doors with scholarships.”
Avery Burn ’24: Sharing God’s Love Through Nursing
May 09, 2023
Avery Burn ’24 is passionate about helping people. Although she didn’t know she wanted to study nursing until the end of high school, Burn is absolutely sure that she’s found her calling. Her classes at APU have strengthened her resolve that nursing is the best way she can care for others while showing God’s love. “Being a nurse aligns so well with my faith,” she said. “I came to APU because the nursing program is one of the best in the world and I wanted to have a top education while also growing through Christ- centered relationships on campus.”
How to Apply to Grad School: Application Requirements for Professionals
May 01, 2023
For busy professionals, the thought of applying to grad school can be daunting, especially if you’ve been out of academia for years. Between researching programs, preparing for entrance exams, and meeting application deadlines—all while balancing work, family, and other interests—considering how to apply to grad school can be downright intimidating.
Faculty Friday: Mike Wong- Transforming Students into Great PT Clinicians
April 28, 2023
During 23 years of teaching in Azusa Pacific University's Department of Physical Therapy, Michael Wong, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, has poured into the lives of thousands of students, training them to become great clinicians. Wong recently received the James A. Gould Excellence in Teaching Award from the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy as one of the top PT professors in the country. “I was excited, humbled, and honored to receive this recognition,” he said. “But the truly special part was seeing my family, students, alumni, and colleagues who have shared in this journey with me and came to the conference in San Diego to support me. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Career Preparation: How to Write a Cover Letter
April 26, 2023
Degree Preparation: Pursuing a Nursing Degree Pathway
April 24, 2023
Pursuing a nursing degree is a rewarding education path for many students. A nursing career provides opportunities to serve others and offers job stability and a competitive salary. What you may not realize, though, is that this degree can open up a plethora of career possibilities. Depending on which degree you choose, you may go on to work in various roles, including administration, education, and public services.
Faculty Friday: Kristina Khederlarian — God’s Hand in Life’s Synchronicities
April 21, 2023
For some, Azusa Pacific University is simply the first step in their academic career. For Kristina Khederlarian, APU has been the common denominator for much of her spiritual formation and educational journey. Not only is the full-time professor an APU alumna, her first interactions with the university and its students extend all the way back to her years in junior high.
How to Thrive in the Gig Economy
April 19, 2023
As people continue to seek freelance jobs and side hustles, the gig economy is bustling. Not only are more people embracing contract or project-based employment, but more employers are seeking out this type of work. According to Zippia, more than 30 percent of Fortune 500 companies report using freelance talent. No matter your career goals, here’s how you could benefit from the gig economy.
10 Essential Southern California Experiences for APU Students
April 18, 2023
Selecting a university to attend is similar to buying a home when considering the important factor of location. Although academics, campus atmosphere, and size are important components, the university’s location is essential to consider when deciding on a college.
What Business Degrees Mean in the Modern World
April 17, 2023
Imagine it’s 2013. The iPhone 5S was just released and it's the first model with Touch ID, making it easier for consumers to navigate platforms and make purchases on their mobile devices. Physical format audio sales (mainly CDs) are still higher than revenues for digital streaming services like Spotify, and Alexa is still being perfected at Amazon.
Faculty Friday: Rico Vitz — When Plans Change for the Better
April 14, 2023
More often than not, plans fall through or fail to come to fruition. Rico Vitz, PhD, is all too familiar with this reality. Personally and professionally, he experienced a shift in ambition that led him to where he is today. From switching his undergraduate major to almost becoming a Capuchin Franciscan Friar, Vitz’s story is one of both hard work and serendipity.
Faculty Friday: Paul Flores — Businessman-Turned-Educator Shares Passion for Teaching and Life Beyond the Classroom
March 31, 2023
When Paul Flores, PhD, attended the University of Southern California as an undergraduate, life was all about hustle and productivity. As a student studying business, Flores never thought he would end up teaching. However, after nearly 26 years at Azusa Pacific University, and five years with the School of Education, Flores has no doubt that God guided his every step.
Brian Casey ’09, ’12 : A European Football Life
March 27, 2023
Brian Casey ’09, ’12 did not plan to still be playing football at age 37. Then again, he didn’t plan to play American football for six different teams across five countries in Europe. “Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate I’d play football professionally for as long as I have and travel the world along with it,” he said. “The ability to play the game and inspire others to continue their dreams is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.”
