News Archive
SBM Reaffirmed for IACBE Accreditation for 7 Years
October 10, 2022
APU Opens Revamped Duke Student Commons
October 06, 2022
Azusa Pacific University recently celebrated the opening of the new John and Marilyn Duke Student Commons on West Campus. The completely redesigned 27,000-square-foot-space, which was formerly known as Heritage Court, enhances the campus experience for all students. “The Duke Commons is intentionally designed to facilitate student connection, engagement, and belonging,” said Keith Hall, EdD, vice president of student belonging and chief diversity officer. “The Commons is a perfect environment for graduate and undergraduate students to organically cultivate new relationships or deepen existing ones with peers, faculty, and staff."
October's featured alumna: Margaret Bartlett '20
October 04, 2022
Student Spotlight: Calli Cox ‘23, Design
September 30, 2022
Mary Wong Teaches Translanguaging in Vietnam
September 29, 2022
After two years of waiting due to COVID restrictions, Mary Shepard Wong, PhD, professor in the Department of Sociology, TESOL, and Modern Languages, traveled to five cities across Vietnam over three weeks to co-lead four workshops sponsored by the U.S. Department of State on translanguaging. Wong, along with another language specialist, Dongping Zheng, PhD, from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, joined three Vietnamese professors on this project. The team worked together virtually from 2020-2021 to develop a guidebook for all K-12 English teachers in Vietnam on translanguaging in the classroom. “After leading the workshops, I have a much deeper and broader understanding of education in the region,” Wong said.
APU Chapel: Come and Be Transformed
September 27, 2022
As a Christian university centered around a God First mission, Azusa Pacific University is committed to educating and supporting students not just in academics, but also in their spiritual development. A fundamental aspect of this is achieved through chapel programs, in which students have the opportunity to gather together to experience community worship and Biblically-rooted messages. Jason Le Shana, MDiv, director, Office of Chapel and Pastoral Care, highlighted how chapel serves as an integral part of the identity of APU. “Since the school's origin as the Training School for Christian Workers, the desire has been for students to participate in rhythms of worshiping and learning together. In chapel, students are invited to come and be open to being transformed by the Spirit.”
APU Celebrates the Inauguration of Adam J. Morris
September 26, 2022
Azusa Pacific University celebrated the inauguration of its 18th president, Adam J. Morris, PhD, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. More than 2,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university filled the Felix Event Center to watch as Morris was officially sworn in to take the helm of APU. “During my interview process with the Board of Trustees, I told the leadership of this great university that I wanted to be part of something so big, that only God could do it,” Morris said. “It’s that hopeful expectation of what God will do in our midst that motivates and encourages me to join each one of you on this epic adventure called Azusa Pacific University.”
Marla Foster Morgan: APU Enabled Me to Make a Difference in the Foster Community
September 19, 2022
Marla Foster Morgan ’22 is making a difference in the lives of foster youth. While she pursued a Masters in Public Administration at Azusa Pacific University, Morgan earned a Richter Scholars Research Fellowship which enabled her to research issues affecting transitional aged foster youth. “I loved my experience as a Richter Fellow,” she said. “Doing research in the field was something new to me, but my professors, especially Kimberly Garth-James, supported me the entire way, which prepared me to have a greater impact in my current work as a public administrator.” Morgan’s research was recently published in the World Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Eimee Ponciano: Trusting God in the Uncertainty
September 13, 2022
Baseball Coach Kirk Nieuwenhuis Comes Full Circle
September 05, 2022
Kirk Nieuwenhuis ’12 returned to his old stomping grounds in 2020 with a plethora of professional baseball experience, eager to help the Cougars program excel to new heights. At first, he served as an assistant coach, but after 18-year head coach Paul Svagdis left APU to return to his alma mater, Tufts University, in 2021, Nieuwenhuis was chosen to be his successor, serving at the helm of Cougar baseball.
The Ideal Worship Leader
September 03, 2022
APU School of Nursing Receives $4.4 Million in Grants from HRSA
September 02, 2022
APU Engineering Program Receives ABET Accreditation
September 01, 2022
Melissa Moore: Finding My Voice through “Faith Hope Love”
August 31, 2022
Although the decade after graduating from Azusa Pacific University didn’t go exactly according to plan, Melissa (Dowdy) Moore ’11 is living her dream. Moore is the host of the “Faith Hope Love” show on Spirit Radio in Visalia, Calif. “I dreamed of being on the radio as a kid, but I never thought it could actually happen. I was a bit of a nerd and lacked the courage necessary,” she said. “It was only over time that God gave me the opportunities—many of which were at APU—to slowly build my confidence, to trust in Him that whatever He called me to, He would make happen.”
Pathways to Leadership: Equipping California’s Superintendents for Success
August 29, 2022
When Katie Russell became superintendent of the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District in the greater Bakersfield area in 2020, she was the first woman and first African American to be senior leader of the district. Though skilled and seasoned, she recognized she would need more to succeed and serve her district well. She immediately began looking at doctoral programs and soon selected Azusa Pacific University, committing time and miles to make the commute to Azusa for Saturday classes, while completing other work online.
APU Hosts Football Alumni Reunion to Celebrate Coach Milhon
August 25, 2022
The Parable of the Four Worship Leaders
August 24, 2022
APU Theater Presents
August 23, 2022
APU Names Michael J. White VP for Enrollment Management
August 22, 2022
Undergraduate Research: Training the Next Generation of Scientists
August 22, 2022
Just two years after graduating from Azusa Pacific, Hannah Valencia ’20 is already applying the knowledge and hands-on training acquired through her biology major and excelling as a research associate in the laboratory of Yuman Fong, MD, at City of Hope. Her work involves developing novel immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer, and she is already a featured author of a journal article published in Molecular Therapy Methods and Clinical Development for her contributions to a research study on treating breast cancer. The accomplished young scientist credits her success to the skills she cultivated as an undergraduate researcher at APU under the mentorship of Sarah Richart, PhD, professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry.
Thriving During Freshman Year: Advice from Current APU Students
August 19, 2022
Whether you’re coming to Azusa Pacific University from high school, a gap year, or the workforce, the transition to college can be simultaneously thrilling and stressful. Meeting new friends, moving onto campus, and building routines are exciting adventures in this transitory time. However you may be feeling, you are not alone in the journey. Many other students have been in the same place you are, and have wisdom to offer for how to approach your freshman year in the right way. Here are a few tips, featuring insights from current APU students, to help you thrive as you begin your collegiate journey at APU.
Breaking Barriers: Randall Trice '19, '20 Provides Foster Youth with Shoes for Grades
August 18, 2022
Randall Trice '19, '20 got lost on his first day of school at Azusa Pacific University. As he tried to find the way to his theology class, his nerves began to grow. When he finally stumbled into the classroom, his professor, Paul Shrier, looked at him with compassion and asked if he was looking for theology. Trice nodded and Shrier replied, “Well then, you’re in the right spot. Have a seat.”
Sacred Encounters throughout APU’s History
August 15, 2022
The still waters of the baptismal pond, the worship-filled walls of Upper Turner Campus Center, a buzzing classroom moments before a lecture—APU holds a special place of encounter for all. Wherever you find yourself on campus, the Holy Spirit has been, and is still, at work. Several of APU’s leaders, past and present, reflect upon significant moments throughout our history when God has moved in miraculous and powerful ways.
The Theological Dietician
August 14, 2022
Manuel Camacho: My Faith Comes First
August 12, 2022
When Manuel Camacho walks across the stage at Azusa Pacific University’s commencement ceremony in May 2023, he will have accomplished a lifelong goal: to become the first person in his family to graduate from college. Camacho’s hard work led to this moment, but it wouldn’t have been possible alone.“I have a lot of my family rooting for me, helping me stay focused on graduating,” he said. “I want to make them proud.”
Out of this World: A Snapshot of APU’s Engineering and Computer Science CubeSat Program
August 10, 2022
Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) is dedicated to preparing difference makers in the fields of computer science, computer information systems, and engineering. In 2020, the department launched a CubeSat program, providing students the opportunity to work in teams with peers and faculty mentors to design satellite technology.
APU Hosts 4 Annual STEM Research Symposium
August 09, 2022
Kendall Hood: My Art Connects Me to God
August 04, 2022
When Kendall Hood ‘25 decided to take a gap year after graduating from high school in 2020, it was truly a leap of faith. Hood had a dream on the line: She wanted to pursue a career in animation and felt that the best place to do that was a Christian university with an animation program led by professors with significant experience in the industry. Azusa Pacific University fit that bill perfectly. “During my gap year, I prayed and prayed that God would call me to APU, but it was way out of my family’s budget,” she said. “My dreams came true when I found out that I had received a Trustee’s Scholarship. I felt like it was a sign from God. I couldn’t do it on my own strength. He opened the door for me. Now it’s my job to continue pursuing my dream by working hard and doing all that I can.”
Tips for the First Day of College: How to Succeed as a First-Generation Student
August 03, 2022
Being a first-generation college student is a wonderful accomplishment that your family should be proud of. Their support is essential, but they may be unable to offer advice for how to thrive in a collegiate environment. Fortunately, many people at Azusa Pacific University are committed to helping you succeed.
Tips for Success: How to Ask for Advice from a Professor
August 01, 2022
Knowing how to ask for advice from a professor can be crucial to your overall college success. Learning to communicate with your professors is a valuable skill that can help you long after graduation!
APU Names Aaron A. Dahlke CFO
July 28, 2022
How to Help Your Student Return to College After Taking a Gap Year
July 27, 2022
Whether your college student was taking a gap year for rest and reflection, work, travel, or because of the pandemic, they weren’t alone. Time magazine reported that in 2020 alone, more than 7 million students canceled their fall enrollment plans to prepare for a gap year.
Innovative Learning Assistant Program Provides Peer Support to Increase Student Success
July 26, 2022
One of the biggest challenges for students entering college is figuring out how to succeed in rigorous classes that push their learning abilities. Even introductory courses can cause students to struggle if they don’t have proper support to help them learn. After class, they can seek tutoring or attend office hours, but how can they get extra help during class when they’re confused and need assistance? A team of Azusa Pacific University faculty including Bradley McCoy, PhD; Elijah Roth, PhD; Marian Saleh, MA, MS; Kevin Sheng-Lin Huang, PhD; Sharon McCathern, PhD; and Tom Allbaugh,PhD; received a $30,000 award as part of the President’s Scholarship Enhancement Grant to develop a learning assistant program, providing a solution to this challenge.
Scholarship Application Essay: 14 Tips to Make Yours Shine
July 25, 2022
Scholarships are a great way to offset the cost of a college education, so it’s smart to apply for as many as you can. Many of them require a scholarship application essay or a personal statement. What you write and how you express yourself can be crucial in catching the interest of the scholarship judges. These 14 tips can help you write strong essays that will improve your odds of being awarded valuable financial support.
Campus Sustainability: How to Be Green in College
July 22, 2022
Campus sustainability is an opportunity for college students to practice being better stewards of the earth God created. According to a recent study, 97 percent of upcoming college students are deeply committed to caring for their world and want to support campus sustainability efforts as much as possible.
APU Art Student Unveils Interactive Exhibit
July 20, 2022
First-Generation College Student: 4 Ways Parents Can Support Their Journey
July 20, 2022
As a parent, you can take steps to give your child the tools they’ll need to thrive as a first-generation college student. Here are four ways to help them on their education journey.
Managing Finances in College: Learning Essential Skills
July 18, 2022
Worship On Earth: As It Is In Heaven
July 16, 2022
The Benefits of Same-Day Admissions Events
July 15, 2022
Same-day admissions events eliminate many of the stressors that may arise during the college application and decision-making process. These virtual events can help shape your future in just a couple of hours, and they’re a great way to gather information about your program of interest.
APU’s University Counseling Center Offers Summer Workshops for Students and Families
July 14, 2022
This summer, Azusa Pacific University’s University Counseling Center (UCC) will host workshops for current and incoming students, parents, and families to prepare for a successful academic year when fall classes begin. The workshops themed, “Building Resiliency,” offer effective tools for thriving on campus when faced with adversity.
