LaShan Epperson, DBA, has always been committed to two things: collaboration and personal growth. As a child she knew she loved working with others to accomplish a shared goal. After working in human resources for nearly two decades, Epperson developed a passion for ensuring the betterment of employees. As a business professor at Azusa Pacific University, Epperson shows what it means to embody respect and empowerment.
Originally from Central Los Angeles, Epperson was the first in her family to attend college. She was a commuter student at Cal State Fullerton for three years, but struggled to complete her degree, and decided to enter the workforce instead. Epperson managed a bank branch for many years. When she wanted to move up the corporate ladder, however, she knew she needed to complete her college degree. “I decided I would never be denied an opportunity to do something I know I’m capable of because I didn’t have a degree,” she said.
Reinvigorated, Epperson went on to earn a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from University of Redlands. After beginning to work in human resources, Epperson deepened her love for connecting with others and caring for their wellbeing. She started envisioning becoming a professor in order to equip the next generation to be strong, ethical leaders. With a new goal in mind, Epperson went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration. She developed a rhythm of working at Apple as a business expert by day, and teaching at ITT Technical Institute by night.
But Epperson always strove for more. One day while selling an iPad, she met a professor who taught at Cal Baptist University. He shared that he was starting a DBA program, which inspired Epperson to continue furthering her education. She started the journey of earning a doctorate as the pandemic began. Two years later she finished the core work. Despite how many people thought it would be impossible to complete and defend her dissertation—focused on women in the workforce—in one year, Epperson was determined to fulfill her goal. By 2022, she would earn her doctorate.
Epperson had already begun teaching APU by the team she completed her DBA. She learned about APU through a friend, started out as an adjunct professor, and began teaching full time at APU in 2021.
Connecting with students is Epperson’s favorite aspect of teaching at APU. “Because I struggled a lot with school when I was younger, I understand that there are different kinds of learners. I do my best to meet students where they’re at to best help them succeed,” she said. Epperson especially encourages students to have compassion with each other. “Don’t overlook the people around you who might be facing challenges you can’t see.”
Epperson integrates faith into her business classes by sharing the importance of ethical values. She hopes students remain firm in doing good to others, and being honest in all circumstances.
“I’m the living will of something greater than myself,” Epperson said. She aims to do her work from a posture of selflessness, knowing that in all she does she gives back to a God who has gifted her with her calling.