Many of us get caught up in the illusion that our lives have to be mapped out and planned early-on in order to succeed. Ismael Lopez Medel, PhD, never planned on teaching in higher education, nor did he expect to move to the U.S. from Spain at 39-years-old. As a professor in the Department of Digital and Strategic Marketing at Azusa Pacific University, Medel encourages students to delve into their interests, pursue their studies well, and let God guide them where they are meant to be.
Originally from Madrid, Medel has a profound appreciation for the culture he grew up in, especially when it comes to playing and watching soccer. Medel’s family was very involved in church throughout his childhood. His parents created a photography magazine, which sparked Medel’s interest in graphic design. Since there were no nearby graphic design programs at the time, Medel worked as a freelancer and explored other passions to study. After switching colleges four times, he landed on earning a degree in advertising and public relations. Then, he went to London to earn his MA in Electronic Publishing.
“My career has been one accident after the next,” Medel said. When opportunities came for him to grow and embrace his passions for creativity, Medel went for it. After graduate school, a friend of Medel’s was in seminary in Barcelona and he invited Medel to spend some time there while figuring out next steps. Shortly after, Medel connected with the dean of the school and discovered a position doing promotional work for their website.
Medel continued making connections and engaging in new experiences, such as collaborating with a professor to translate theological books written in Spanish to English. Medel served in the Youth for Christ Ministry as a camp counselor for a few years and spontaneously discovered that he enjoyed teaching. Months later, Medel’s father sent his resume to an art school and he landed his first teaching position in a graduate program. “Initially I wasn’t sure if teaching would be my career, but I immediately fell in love with it,” Medel said. “I love working with college students and getting to stretch my creativity.”
Ten years after he started teaching, Medel became an associate dean at CEU San Pablo, the largest private university in Madrid. He had earned his PhD in Communication, writing his dissertation on album covers, specifically those by the band U2. When Medel was invited to teach in the U.S., he was ready for the change. Having completed his senior year of high school in Pennsylvania, Medel always liked American culture. His wife was excited for an adventure, so the Medels, including their three-year-old and three-month-old children, moved to Connecticut.
Their plan was to stay in the U.S. for one year. “I found more time to spend with my kids through my job in the states, and we all loved it,” Medel said. In search of a warmer place, however, Medel looked for universities on the West Coast and discovered APU. In 2014, he and his family moved to Southern California. Medel built the university’s public relations program (now digital and strategic marketing).
Getting to integrate faith into his teaching has fostered growth in Medel’s own spiritual journey. “A lot of what we teach in PR has to do with reputation management, so I love discussing what the Bible says about reputation, debating how much it matters, etc.” he said. Medel enjoys starting his classes with Lectio Divina, a contemplative practice where he frequently shows Caravaggio’s painting “The Calling of Saint Matthew.” “When you think of what God is calling you to do, I tell students they might be asking the wrong question. Instead, ask who you are supposed to be.” Speaking from his own experience navigating life’s twists and turns, Medel teaches students to embrace uncertainty, cultivate their self-growth, and God will direct them where they need to be.
Wherever the future takes him, Medel will continue to trust in God’s provision for his life. APU is fortunate to have someone as dedicated, humble, and kind as Medel.