Dear APU Community:
With deep thanks for the thorough work of the Interim Presidential Search Committee, and following the unanimous endorsement of the Board of Trustees, it is my privilege to announce the appointment of Andrew Barton, EdD, as Interim President of Azusa Pacific University, effective November 5, 2021.
Dr. Barton is an accomplished executive leader with more than 25 years of experience across several sectors, each focused on improving and transforming the lives of those served. As part of APU for the last 14 years, he has served in multiple executive roles across our institution, beginning with Advancement, then Los Angeles Pacific University, and, for the last four years, as the Senior Advisor/Chief of Staff and Vice President for Strategic Planning and Mission Integration. Most recently, he has led the comprehensive, organization-wide strategic planning, communication, and ongoing implementation process for Renewal, our seven-year strategic plan.
Highly respected within the APU Community, and with keen insight and alignment with the university’s strategic and tactical goals, Dr. Barton possesses the needed skills and competencies to lead APU at this critical juncture. His collaborative, bridge-building leadership style will engage and promote our Christ-centered culture. He will serve as our Interim President until God reveals the right person to fill the permanent role of President.
During this time, Dr. Barton will be responsible for leading the President’s Cabinet in fulfilling APU’s mission as we continue our national search for our 18th President. Dr. Barton will partner with Dr. Ferguson and the Board of Trustees to facilitate a seamless transition, thus enabling Paul and Grace to be back in Maine with their family ahead of the holidays. We are grateful for their significant contributions to APU and wish them a blessed and joyful retirement.
Dr. Barton holds an EdD in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University, an MBA from California Lutheran University, and a BA in Economics and Criminology from Keele University in England. His wife, Susan, is an organizational development consultant and adjunct professor at APU. The Bartons have two children, Matthew and Meghan.
The Board of Trustees greatly appreciates that Dr. Barton is a humble, righteous man of faith who will lead with vision and courage. Together, the Board of Trustees and Dr. Barton are firmly committed to fulfilling the mission of APU: “Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars who seek to advance the work of God in the world through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional programs of higher education that encourage students to develop a Christian perspective of truth and life.”
Let us join together in congratulating Dr. Barton on his appointment. We pray God’s blessings over him and his family as he embraces this call to serve our community of disciples and scholars.
Blessings,
Tom Miller Chair, Board of Trustees
