News Archive
College of the Arts Hosts Industry Spotlight at Warner Bros. Studios
June 01, 2023
Many actors and filmmakers dream of premiering their films on the big screen, but may have to wait a lifetime to get the opportunity. For Azusa Pacific University students, they only waited until the end of their senior year. APU’s College of the Arts (COTA) hosted the 2023 Industry Spotlight on May 4 at the legendary Warner Bros. studios, giving students in cinematic arts, animation, theater, games and interactive media, art, design, music, and journalism a chance to showcase their work in front of industry talent representatives and casting directors.
Can You Take College Courses at Different Colleges?
June 01, 2023
From unexpected opportunities to pandemics, life can be unpredictable. And while you likely planned to complete your degree at one college, a variety of situations can disrupt your plans. Or perhaps you’re just looking to take a summer course at a college in your hometown. The question is, can you take college courses at different colleges?
How Long Is a College Semester?
May 30, 2023
As a college student, you’re probably juggling what feels like a million things at once. Between classes, assignments, extracurriculars, and maybe even a part-time job, time can feel like your most precious resource. This is why mastering time management is so important to your success and well-being as a student.
What Is Dual Enrollment and What Are Its Benefits?
May 27, 2023
The step from high school to college can feel more like a leap, but there are ways to soften the landing. For example, concurrent enrollment and dual enrollment (sometimes called dual credit) can help you save money during college and prepare you academically so you can show up to your first college class feeling confident and optimistic. But what is dual enrollment, exactly, and how can you get started?
Cheyenne Jimenez ’20 — The Blind Faith of a Boutique Owner
May 26, 2023
On the morning of November 25, 2022, Cheyenne Jimenez ’20 woke up at the crack of dawn, preparing for her biggest day yet as the new owner of her boutique Ariete. As she prepared the space for guests by setting out a cart of food, drinks, and a “spin and win” prize wheel, Jimenez noticed no one lining up for the event like in years past. My first Black Friday as Ariete’s new owner is a failure, she thought. Within the same minute of her perceived flop, Jimenez turned and saw the line of guests she’d been waiting for. “Ushering everybody in was crazy. I had never seen so many people in the store. It was awesome,” she said. “We were serving appetizers and the music was blaring and it was so great. It was Christmas to a tee.” Jimenez’s success that day has been a defining moment during her time as Ariete’s owner. Since then, the Riverside native has been working hard to promote her clothing boutique.
What to Do after You Graduate College: Navigating Post-College Decisions
May 25, 2023
Congratulations—you’re a college graduate! You’ve invested time, passion, and brainpower into the last few years of your life to achieve something truly commendable. You deserve to take a beat and celebrate this milestone with your friends and family.
Faculty Friday: Jenica Morin-Pascual Awarded 48th District Woman of the Year
May 19, 2023
Earlier this year, adjunct professor Jenica Morin-Pascual opened an unexpected email that brought her tears of joy. She had just been named the 2023 California Assembly District 48 Distinguished Woman of the Year. “I was in shock. I had no idea I had been nominated. I felt so honored,” she said. Morin-Pascual flew up to Sacramento with her sister and received the award from Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio ’99, ’03. “It was surreal. It was the experience of a lifetime to be amongst these amazing women. I feel blessed that I’ve had opportunities that I never imagined would come to me, just by doing something I truly love.” Morin-Pascual also received the Public Safety Woman of the Year award for the 22nd District from Senator Susan Rubio ’01.
Can You Major in Being an Influencer?
May 17, 2023
Social media influencers are on the rise, and if you’re seeking a long-term career in this type of role, you’re not alone. Still, can you major in being an influencer? While there may not be a designated major, you can take a few pathways to prepare for a career in this growing industry.
2022-2023 Spring Awards for CLAS Faculty and Staff
May 17, 2023
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.
April's Featured Alumna: Summer Spell (Global Studies, '21)
April 06, 2023
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.”
Julia Stone: Re-imaging Church Worship Music
March 23, 2023
Julia Stone ’24 wants to enhance the way the church worships. As a junior music and worship major with an emphasis in Christian ministries and a double-minor in honors humanities and theology, Stone has a unique worldview that shapes her desire to innovate. Through her studies, she has done extensive research surrounding the church and the role music plays. “Worship is such a huge part of the way the church functions. The way I see it, it’s in need of reform because we’ve been stuck in the same format for so long,” Stone said. “I want to create a space for everybody to have a seat at the table in worship.”
APU Cinematic Arts: Training Transformative Storytellers
March 22, 2023
For students who dream of becoming filmmakers, Azusa Pacific University is the perfect place to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the industry. Many factors go into this top cinematic arts program including its location next to the entertainment business, its unique opportunity for students to start making films as freshman, its industry-standard software and hardware, its industry experienced faculty, and its small class size providing individualized attention.
Degree Preparation: Pursuing Healthcare Management
March 13, 2023
Healthcare management is more than a job—it’s a calling and an opportunity to benefit patients, communities, and society as a whole. This career path offers a unique combination of personal satisfaction, job security, and financial stability within a dynamic and challenging environment. If you have a passion for healthcare but aren’t interested in becoming a doctor or nurse, this career may be the perfect fit for you.
Faculty Friday: Bill Catling, MFA — Connection, Learning, and Life Happen in the Spaces in Between
March 10, 2023
At the start of each semester, Bill Catling, MFA, asks himself, “How can I use these 16 weeks to change my students’ lives for the better?” Catling, who teaches in Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Art, believes in an open-ended educational experience. He hopes students fall in love with the learning process and come into their own. “I treat my classes as community environments of independently motivated learners, not students,” Catling said. “They want an answer and I always want to give them another question.” Rather than asking questions with black-and-white answers, he hopes to foster reflection and deep thinking among his fellow learners. “If all of us just paused for a second, before we do something we love, we would discover a deeper love of life and people and things,” he said. “That motivates me in the classroom a lot.”
9 Simple Productivity Tips for College Students
March 09, 2023
When you’re in college, there are many demands on your time. On top of classes and homework, you might have a job, extracurricular activities, and family responsibilities. You also need time to sleep, eat, exercise, and recharge. It can feel challenging to fit it all in.
APU Theater Presents
March 07, 2023
Faculty Friday: The Full-Circle Journey of Michael Dean Clark, PhD
March 03, 2023
When Michael Dean Clark, PhD, graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 1997, he had no idea his time at the university was not yet complete. After working as a local reporter, a high school English teacher, and attending graduate school in Milwaukee, Clark was hired at Point Loma Nazarene University, where he anticipated staying for years. “I had everything done for tenure. I just had to complete the last couple years,” said Clark, “Then I got a call from Dr. Bentz, and he said, ‘Hey, we have a position here. Are you interested?’” Clark, a San Diego native who enjoyed surfing between classes, declined the offer. Joseph Bentz, PhD, however, was persistent. After Bentz called two more times, Clark opened up to the possibility. “I applied and then I came up and visited, and it reminded me why I chose APU as a student,” Clark said. “I’ve been back for nine years, taught and done work in many areas, and I love it.”
Is It Time to Transfer Colleges? Here's How to Decide
February 28, 2023
For many college students, transferring between schools is part of the academic experience. In fact, a National Student Clearinghouse Research Center report found that 2 million students transferred in the 2021-22 academic year. So if you’re considering transferring, you’re not alone.
Faculty Friday: Shelly-Ann Dewsbury, MSW, Values Growth In and Out of the Classroom
February 24, 2023
When professor Shelly-Ann Dewsbury, MSW applied to teach at Azusa Pacific University, she took the job through a leap of faith, leaving the familiarity of her residence in Boston. “When I took the job at APU, I was literally moving to California sight unseen,” she said.
How Employer Tuition Assistance Helps Professionals Return to School
February 22, 2023
If you’re a working professional, you may recognize that returning to school to complete your bachelor’s degree or pursue a graduate degree could help you advance and succeed in your field. Despite the potential gain it can bring, you also have to consider the cost.
Beatrice Buob ’03: Sharing the Gospel Through
February 21, 2023
Beatrice Buob ’03 had almost given up on her dream of pursuing a career in music when she learned of Azusa Pacific University. Originally from St. Gallen, Switzerland, Buob had been told by Swiss music schools that she was too old for their programs. Fortunately, her brother lived in San Diego. Buob searched for Christian universities in Southern California that didn’t have age limitations. After being accepted at APU, she moved more than 6,000 miles to pursue her dream. Although she originally planned on only taking a few classes, Buob enjoyed the program so much that she went on to earn her Master’s of Music in Conducting.
Career Preparation: Networking Skills for Success
February 20, 2023
Nikki High ’05 Opens First Pasadena Bookstore to Highlight Minority Authors
February 16, 2023
In 2022, Nikki High ’05 took a leap toward the unimaginable: she left her successful corporate job to pursue her life-long dream of opening a bookstore. Not just any bookstore, but —a place of gathering and community that prioritizes Black, Indigenous, and people of color authors.
Graduate Degree, Certificate, or Both: How to Choose the Best Track for You
February 15, 2023
You’ve finished your bachelor’s degree and might be thinking, “What’s next?” If specialization in a field or a high-level job is your goal, most likely the answer is to continue your education. However, with many academic options to pursue post-graduation, it can be hard to decide which graduate degree or certificate best supports the career you want.
Faithfulness to Mission: Working Together for Greater Kingdom Impact
February 13, 2023
On January 26, 2022, I sat with the APU Board of Trustees for what turned out to be my final interview in the presidential search process. It was more than a 12-hour day, and we all came prepared with our final round of questions. By midafternoon, having talked through the many complexities of leading a faith-based organization with hundreds of employees and thousands of students, we dove into a topic near and dear to my heart—faithfulness to mission. I wanted to probe core aspects of APU’s institutional identity and APU’s resolve to stand its ground amidst the tumult facing all of Christian higher education.
From Competitor to Leader: Corrie Loeffler ’04 Named Executive Director of Scripps National Spelling Bee
February 08, 2023
Scherenschnitte, knaidel, euonym—silent anticipation stretches through the auditorium as spelling bee contestants ascend to the podium, tackling words unheard of to the average audience member. Then seven-year-old Corrie Loeffler ’04 watches with wide eyes as her older brother competes in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She becomes determined to attend the national competition again—this time on her own merit.
APU Study Away Opportunities: Natasha Zimmerman’s Oxford Experience
February 07, 2023
One of the most exciting parts about college is experiencing living in a new place. Students at Azusa Pacific University have the opportunity to study away at a variety of different locations for a few weeks (GO Terms) or a full semester. These study away opportunities include options in Ecuador, Ireland, Kenya, Israel, Jordan, Washington D.C., England, and other countries in Europe. Perhaps the most unique opportunity to study away is the Scholarship and Christianity in Oxford (SCIO) semester through the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) GlobalEd programs. During this program, APU students study at the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world.
February's Featured Alumna: Ashley Jones (English '19)
February 07, 2023
Dylan and Cheri Harris ’98 are Fulfilling their Call with Shelter on the Lake
February 06, 2023
Dylan and Cheri (Hacker) Harris ’98 are spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, or about as close as you can get to that. In 2011, after years of traveling across Asia and Europe and down the Pan-American Highway, the couple settled with their three kids—Ritter, 15, Amelia, 13, and Tobin, 11—in San Carlos de Bariloche, a lake town at the base of the Andes mountains in southern Argentina. Dylan and Cheri decided that this would be the perfect spot to launch a ministry—one geared toward backpackers.
APU School of Business Hosts Four Free Financial Literacy Workshops
February 03, 2023