APU News
APU Announces Return of Football, Transition to NCAA Division III
March 17, 2025
APU announces a new era in Cougar Athletics with the return of its football program, set to take the field for the 2026 season. After a five-year hiatus, the university is excited to reinstate this beloved sport and foster a renewed sense of school spirit and community engagement. In conjunction with the program’s revival, APU athletics will transition to NCAA Division III.
William McCoy, PhD, Named Dean of APU’s College of Arts, Humanities, Sciences, and Theology
March 13, 2025 | Arts, Humanities and Sciences, Theology
APU Provost Anita Fitzgerald Henck, PhD, named Quincy, MA resident William McCoy, PhD, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, Sciences, and Theology, effective July 1, 2025. McCoy brings more than 15 years of education experience to the role with expertise in African history and higher education administration, including strategic planning, policy formation, and curricular initiatives.
APU Ranks in Money’s Best Nursing and Education Grad School Programs
March 11, 2025 | Education, Nursing
APU was ranked in Money’s Best Graduate School Programs 2025 for education and nursing, focusing on affordability, value, and return on investment.
Azusa Pacific University Receives Historic $10 Million Gift
February 25, 2025
Azusa Pacific University (APU) today announced a landmark $10 million gift from an anonymous donor, marking the largest single cash donation in the university’s history. This transformational gift significantly advances several university priorities.
APU Theater Presents Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan’s Pride and Prejudice
February 07, 2025 | Arts
APU’s Department of Theater Arts presents Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan’s production of Jane Austin’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice. The show runs from February 13-22 with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday matinee shows on February 15 and 22 at 2 p.m.
APU’s Leung School of Accounting Students Provide Free Services to Eligible Local Taxpayers through VITA
January 16, 2025 | Business
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available for local, eligible taxpayers at Azusa Pacific University, through the Leung School of Accounting. APU’s IRS-certified student volunteers will provide free tax service through income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals and families in the community.
APU Receives $5 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment to Inspire Faith Formation in Young Adults Through Service
December 20, 2024
Azusa Pacific University has received a $5,000,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish The Cornerstones Project: Building Faith Through Service. This innovative five-year initiative aims to impact more than 10,000 young people (ages 13-25) across the nation by fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between faith, service, and human flourishing.
Steve Harden Named Executive in Residence in APU’s School of Business and Management
December 11, 2024 | Media Relations
Azusa Pacific University named Steve Harden the first executive-in-residence of the School of Business and Management (SBM), effective January 1, 2025. Harden brings more than 35 years of corporate executive experience to the role with expertise in brand development, marketing, and entrepreneurship, including serving as CEO/President of K-Swiss and other global sports apparel companies.
APU Theater Presents Joe Landry’s It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
November 04, 2024 | Media Relations
Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Theater Arts presents Joe Landry’s adapted version of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. The show runs from November 7-16 with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday matinee shows on November 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.
APU Hosts 37th Night of Champions
October 30, 2024 | Media Relations
Azusa Pacific University is excited to bring back the 37th Night of Champions on November 9. This event draws youth from across Southern California to hear inspiring messages from renowned athletes and artists who will also share the Gospel.
APU Receives $1.25 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
October 10, 2024 | Media Relations
Azusa Pacific University received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the initiative “Sowing Seeds for God’s Harvest: Cultivating Worship, Faith and Calling in Children.”
APU Art Department Presents Ground Structure Exhibition
September 30, 2024 | Media Relations
Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Art presents Ground Structure, an exploration of space and structure by a group of prominent lens-based artists. The exhibition runs from October 15-November 8 in Duke Art Gallery, located on APU’s West Campus at 701 E. Foothill Blvd in Azusa. There will be an artist talk and opening reception on October 15 from 5-8 p.m in Duke 520.
APU Professor Tasha Bleistein, PhD, Selected by U.S. Department of State for Prestigious English Language Specialist Project
September 27, 2024 | Media Relations
The U.S. Department of State announced the selection of Azusa Pacific University professor Tasha Bleistein, PhD, for a three-week Language Specialist project focusing on conducting an analysis of the Binational Centers’ virtual English programs and offering findings, recommendations, and training in Peru at Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano.
APU Theater Presents Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man
September 25, 2024 | Arts, Media Relations
Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Theater Arts presents Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man. The show runs from October 4-26 with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday matinee shows on October 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.
APU Named Top Christian University in California by The Wall Street Journal
September 12, 2024 | Media Relations
Azusa Pacific University achieved a historic placement in The Wall Street Journal’s 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S., as the top-ranked evangelical Christian university in California and the highest ranked institution in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). APU holds the No. 101 spot in the nation, which marks the highest national ranking achieved by the university.
