Meet the Faculty

The Azusa Pacific University Cinematic Arts faculty combine theoretical expertise with real-world experience. They collectively represent decades spent in the entertainment industry in every aspect of performance and production. Their dedication is brought into the classroom with the goal of empowering Azusa Pacific students to integrate talent and passion with a Christian worldview as they pursue excellence in the theatrical and cinematic arts.

In addition to the full-time faculty listed below, the Department of Cinematic Arts enlists a host of adjunct faculty who take time from their careers to teach classes at Azusa Pacific University. These working professionals bring top-notch instruction as well as first-hand knowledge of the entertainment industry as it stands today.

Acting Chair

• Tim Samoff, MFA

  Interim Chair and Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-6007
  • Email: tsamoff@apu.edu

Associate Chairs

• Zachary Cheney, PhD

  Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, College of the Arts; Interim Associate Academic Chair and Assistant Professor of Screen Studies, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5125
  • Email: zcheney@apu.edu
  • Office Location: Darling Hallway Art Gallery, Darling 169, West Campus
• Jesse Negron, MFA

  Interim Associate Production Chair and Assistant Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5114
  • Email: jnegron@apu.edu

Program Director

• Chuck Grieb, MFA

  Director, BA in Animation and Visual Effects, and Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5274
  • Email: cgrieb@apu.edu
  • Office Location: Hugh and Hazel Darling Library, Room 167

Assistant Professors

• Laurie Leinonen

  Assistant Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5297
  • Email: lleinonen@apu.edu
• Greg Michael, MFA

  Assistant Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 6014
  • Email: gmichael@apu.edu
• Jonathan Vermeer, MPW

  Assistant Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (310) 951-3921
  • Email: jvermeer@apu.edu

Adjunct Professors

• Andrew Cole, MFA

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Art and Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-2064
  • Email: acole@apu.edu
  • Office Location: Art Center
• Ryan Izay

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5297
  • Email: rizay@apu.edu
• Eddie Kim, MFA

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Email: ekim@apu.edu
• James W. Lincoln, M.A.

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (818) 599-0467
  • Email: jwlincoln@apu.edu
• Phil Lollar, MFA

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Communication Studies and Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 641-3526
  • Email: plollar@apu.edu
• Chris Masi

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 390-6317
  • Email: cmasi@apu.edu
• Cheryl McKay Price, M.A.

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (626) 815-6000, Ext. 5297
  • Email: cprice@apu.edu
• Leigh Rens

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (310) 497-7187
  • Email: leighrens@gmail.com
  • Office Location: East Campus
• James Schlenker

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Email: jschlenker@apu.edu
• Matt Schoepf

  Adjunct Professor, Department of Cinematic Arts

  • Phone: (818) 292-9394
  • Email: schoepf.matt@gmail.com
  • Office Location: West Campus