Students meeting with representative

Meet Your Admissions Representatives

Admissions Representatives

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Lauryn Goldston

Associate Director of Traditional Undergraduate Admissions

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 691-3458

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Youn Ju (Grace) Kim, PhD

Senior Admissions Representative, International Recruitment

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 815-2033

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Grace Yaso

Senior Admissions Representative


Email:
 [email protected]
Phone: (626) 691-3440

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Connor Knack

Admissions Representative

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 691-4382

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Allee Crowl

Admissions Representative

Email: [email protected]
Phone:
(626) 691-3644

 

Transfer Admissions Representatives

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Marixa Guerrero

Transfer Admissions Representative

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 691-3455

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Aaron Paek

Transfer Admissions Representative

Email: [email protected]
Phone:
(626) 691-3606

Get to Know Your Admission Representatives

Graduated from APU: 2018 and 2021
Degrees: BA in English, MS in College Counseling and Student Development
Hometown: Inglewood, CA

How has APU transformed you?

APU has helped me discover my passions for equity, caring for students, and seeing everyone in the image of God. One of my favorite verses, Micah 6:8, calls us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God,” and my experiences inside and outside of the classroom have prepared me to embody this verse daily.

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

Being an Alpha leader my sophomore year was a fantastic experience! It was exciting to play a role in guiding a group of incoming students throughout their first year at APU and build community together. I was also able to study abroad in Ecuador during my junior year. It taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and expanding my worldview.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

My advice to prospective students is to get to know your professors! They truly care about your personal and academic development. As an undergraduate and graduate student, I was given invitations to dinner at a few of my professors’ houses and it showed their genuine interest in us and great cooking skills!

How do you spend your free time?

I am a self-proclaimed “foodie,” so checking out cool restaurants and coffee shops with friends and family is a must. I also love reading, so you can always catch me hanging out somewhere with a book. I also enjoy listening to music and making playlists for my friends.

Graduated from Arizona State University: 2012
Degree: Doctor of Music Arts
Hometown: South Korea

How has APU transformed you?

Throughout my time at APU, I have been transformed with a stronger foundation in my Christian faith, and I feel more equipped with the words of God.

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

I really enjoy interacting with students, especially with international students. Many international students want to share their new life journey at APU. Listening, sharing, praying, and spending time together is one of my utmost favorite activities at APU.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

Once you have been admitted to APU, find ways to connect with others, such as joining social groups and clubs. Take advantage of the orientation session, which gives new students perspective and information on what to look forward to during their time at APU. It also helps students to become familiar with new environments and cultures. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to your professor whenever you feel that you do not understand something. Professors want to help and be interactive with students’ journeys at APU.

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time listening to, searching for, and studying different genres and time periods of Western music.

How has APU transformed you?

APU has transformed my life in so many ways. I have been able to experience such an intentional community, which has invited me into a deeper relationship with the Lord. I also was able to receive such an incredible education with professors that truly cared about my life.

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

I loved being involved in a student-led club on campus called “Free the Captives”. It is a club geared towards spreading awareness about the human trafficking that occurs in the LA area and all around the world!

What advice would you give to prospective students?

Be intentional and reach out to your admissions representatives. We want to hear your stories and walk alongside you, every step of the way!

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time running, going to coffee shops, and spending time with my friends!

Graduated from UC Irvine: 2017
Degree: BA in Psychology and Criminology, Law and Society
Hometown: Azusa, CA

What advice would you give to prospective students?

My advice to prospective students is to be patient with yourself and with others. Everyone around you is learning and growing; you will make mistakes and so will others. However, these mistakes are vital to your construction as a person, so allow yourself to learn from them. Also, please utilize your resources at the university. Seek out your admissions representative, counselor, or professor—everyone is delighted to help. We are here to provide the space and opportunity for confusion and questions. Remember, we are here to serve you!

How do you spend your free time?

I love spending time with my family and loved ones. I also enjoy dancing and coming up with different dance routines. Specifically, I enjoy choreographing quinceañera dances with my mom. I also enjoy reading and learning. I find research articles and books on human psychology informative and constructive.

How has APU transformed you?

Though I did not attend APU as a student myself, being a part of the APU family has allowed me to grow exponentially. From the genuine connections to the united vision of living a Christ-centered life, my role here at APU has challenged me in various aspects of my life. It’s pushed me to branch out of my comfort bubble and explore the endless possibilities that this beautiful world our Father has created has to offer. 

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

All our admissions events, from our SDA’s (Same Day Admissions) to the one-on-one appointments with my students, have been the highlight of my time at APU. As a transfer student myself, the potential to ease the complex transfer process for a fellow transfer student brings me great delight. 

What advice would you give to prospective students?

Just apply, as our application is free! We also have rolling admissions, so you can apply whenever YOU feel ready. I know the college application process appears intimidating, but that’s what us reps are here for! You’re applying to become a part of an unmatched community, as I truly believe there is no place like APU. While attending a huge college has some perks, the individualized education and experience here at APU can not be beaten. That’s coming from someone who attended a big college and regrets it!

How do you spend your free time?

I enjoy being active by playing in men’s leagues for baseball or basketball at my church. I also love being a homebody and just watching sports since I’m getting too old to play myself.

How has APU transformed you?

My experience here at APU has allowed me to strengthen my relationship with the Lord and create deeper connections with those around me. I have built such an incredible community around me and I am thankful for the ways it has allowed me to grow as a follower of Christ

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

During my time as a student, I enjoyed being able to take part in different intramural sports as well as other events put on by campus life. I also enjoy the different events that bring the community together such as our annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which is always fun to see everyone celebrating.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

I would tell students to reach out and ask questions! In admissions, we always look forward to helping students along their journey toward choosing their next walk in life and we want to provide insight to assist in that journey.

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time, I like to golf, play basketball, play pickleball, and watch sports.

How has APU transformed you?

APU has given me the opportunity to strengthen and continually grow in my relationship with the Lord. Even though I didn’t attend APU as a student, being part of this community has truly become a home away from home. I’ve been blessed with people who are uplifting, encouraging, and kind in every way—it’s a place where I genuinely feel supported and known.

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

I’ve especially loved being a part of APU Bound and APU One Days! These are some of my favorite events because I get to connect with prospective and admitted students, talk with their families and friends, and help them feel more comfortable and excited about what’s ahead. I remember how overwhelming the idea of starting college can be, so I love being able to ease some of those nerves and offer encouragement along the way.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

My biggest piece of advice is: don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s about classes, campus life, or spiritual growth—curiosity is a strength. I know from experience how intimidating it can feel, but asking questions is how you find clarity, confidence, and connection. One verse that really speaks to this is Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” God encourages us to seek understanding, even when we feel uncertain.

Also, be open to new experiences. College is such a special season of discovery—about yourself, your passions, and your purpose. Take that leap of faith, even if it’s outside your comfort zone. Get involved, meet new people, and let yourself grow.

And finally, give yourself grace. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Trust that God is with you every step of the way, and that He’s writing a beautiful story through your journey—even when you can’t see the whole picture yet.

How do you spend your free time?

I love spending time with my friends and family. My cousins and I have a Sunday tradition—after church, we hang out and cook together, and that’s something I always look forward to during busy weeks. I’m also a bit of a beverage enthusiast! I love exploring local coffee shops and trying new coffee, matcha, and tea drinks. Wherever I go, I always carry my Bible with me, so I also enjoy finding quiet moments to sit, read, and reflect.

How has APU transformed you?

While I was a student at APU, I walked through some of my highest of highs and my lowest of lows. Learning that grief and joy can coexist changed my life! It became beautiful to hold two contrasting emotions together!

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

I loved being apart of APU’s Global Engagement team(s)! Global Engagement offers local and domestic service opportunities. In my time at APU, I got to spend a month in South Korea and Thailand!

What advice would you give to prospective students?

When trying to decide where to go to school, choose a place that feels like home; a place that you know will stretch you!

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time I drink coffee, cook, adventure outside, or travel!

How has APU transformed you?

APU gave me the opportunity to grow so much not only academically, but spiritually and emotionally as well. My professors genuinely cared about my wellbeing and about taking our classroom knowledge into the real world. My relationship with the Lord was stretched and strengthened so much during my undergrad, bringing me closer to Him and to my APU community.

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

I loved being able to be an RA on campus, interacting with the students, building relationships with them, and fostering community both for and alongside them. It filled me with so much joy and I wanted to try and make sure that my residents could feel that too.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

Don’t be afraid to share your story! You never know how it may greatly impact someone else and you never know what doors the Lord will open through it.

How do you spend your free time?

I love to hang out with my friends and love to cook and bake so I’m always thinking of new recipes to try! I love trying new coffee shops (even though I pretty much get the same thing every time) and I love to read!

How has APU transformed you?

Coming from out of state, APU gave me a community that turned Southern California into a new home. While APU led me to internships across four different states, I always had a feeling I would return to the Azusa area after graduation. It has been such a sacred place where God continuously revealed Himself to me in miraculous ways. Especially in the classroom, I learned from top film directors and writers how God is the greatest author, which strengthened my faith and writing ability in a way nothing else had before.

Which activities at APU have you most enjoyed being a part of?

For three years, I was involved in student media. Through that experience, I felt completely connected to our community. Interviewing athletes, meeting alumni at sports reunions, and attending dinner rallies are among my most cherished and unexpected memories.

What advice would you give to prospective students?

I would say to fully take in the excitement of the college admissions process. These memories of getting to know yourself more fully as you explore schools with family or friends go by so quickly. So take in all the visits, virtual or in person, and watch all the APU videos (my favorite was the 2012 graduation flash mob). This is really a special season of life where, often for the first time, you get to take a big step toward the dreams you may have held since you were a kid.

On that note, because I knew choosing a school would change the course of my life, I started collecting Scripture verses that reminded me God already had my steps planned. That takes so much pressure off because, while career goals often grow and change, if God leads you to a place, there will be a beautiful reason for it. For me, it was the adventure of a lifetime.

How do you spend your free time?

In my free time, I love coaching gymnastics at a local gym, watching reruns of “The Middle,” and working on writing projects.