Shauna Attwood ’01 stepped onto Azusa Pacific University’s campus as an undergraduate and fell in love with how friendly the community was. That same inviting atmosphere drew her back in two decades later. Serving at a faith based institution that aligns with her values for worship, fellowship, and doing everything for the glory of God, has allowed Attwood to live out her calling. As executive assistant in the Office of the President Attwood is a significant part of transforming students for their higher calling.
Originally from Redlands, Calif., Attwood has always loved living and learning in Southern California. She studied marketing at APU. The welcoming spirit she felt as she entered campus strengthened her faith, witnessing God’s love through people’s kindness. Attwood’s faith especially deepened during chapel services and Bible courses. “APU gave me profound experiences that stamped my whole life because of the people I met here,” Attwood said. She met her best friend while living in Engestrom Hall together, and they’re still a large part of each other’s lives today. Attwood also met her husband, John, and they’re still close with their college friends to this day.
After graduating, Attwood landed a full time job at a bank she had been working for throughout college. She left in search of something more fulfilling. Many months and interviews later, Attwood got a job in downtown Los Angeles working in human resources for Bank of America. “Being part of the human side of business felt more fitting for me,” she said. “I’m better able to implement my God-given gifts by trying to show God's love to those He put in my path.”
When Attwood had her first child, she took time off work to devote herself to being a mother. Years later, God led Attwood into nonprofit work, and she became a grant writer. As her kids started growing, Attwood was interested in pursuing a career in education, so she returned to HR work in K-12 Christian schools. “Being immersed in faith based work settings again reminded me how refreshing it is to combine my core beliefs to support something eternally meaningful,” Attwood said.
Attwood transitioned into higher education for a few years at a secular college. “I truly missed the element of faith, ” she said. The Lord wrote on Attwood’s heart that APU was her new calling. She applied to work in the Office of the President on a whim, and found herself back on the campus that changed her life. “I felt like I was walking down memory lane being back in the space that cultivated my character.”
In 2022 Attwood started her current position as executive assistant. The welcoming experience as a staff member was the same as when she was a student, showing how timeless APU’s culture and community is.
As executive assistant to President Adam J. Morris, Phd, Attwood’s job looks different each day. Working closely with university departments, the president’s cabinet, and the board of trustees, Attwood manages scheduling and travel arrangements, creates reports and correspondence, oversees logistics for the president’s donor portfolio, and contributes to event planning. “It is a privilege to support the leadership of this God First institution,” Attwood said. “I enjoy playing a small role in God’s big plan for APU.”
APU is truly where Attwood feels called to live out what God asks of her. “We all play a significant part in what Christ wants us to do, so I consider it an honor to serve here,” she said. As a mother, when Attwood sees students singing in chapel, laughing together on Cougar Walk, and making a difference by leaning into their talents, she sees her own children in them.
Attwood’s willingness to say yes to God throughout her life is a testament to her faith, warmth, and drive to share Christ’s love in the same way the APU community did for her as a student. “My story is simply being humbled by God’s faithfulness to me, and doing my best to obey Him,” Attwood said.
Every staff member, no matter what role they fill, has a unique story, God-given talents, and a heart for serving the APU community. Their service, joy, peace, and talents are an example of what it means to be a difference maker.