Azusa Pacific University

APU's Youth Leadership Initiative is hosting the Kaleo Worship Night on Saturday, September 28, motivating youth and youth pastors from local churches to embrace their unique calling of Jesus to serve their communities. Worship will be led by Jesus Use Me followed by a powerful message from Matumaini "Matu" Taylor. Registration is free and now open at apuyli.org.

LaShan Epperson, DBA, embodies respect and empowerment as a business professor. She connects with students by meeting them where they’re at, opening up about her experiences in the corporate world, and teaching them to lead ethically.

"I love the culture of APU. It speaks loudly to the Four Cornerstones (Christ, Scholarship, Community, Service), and I have so much appreciation for the respect and grace students exhibit."

Read LaShan’s story: apu.edu/articles/faculty-feature-lashan-epperson-dba-demonstrates-perseverance-and-integrity/.

Last week, APU students had the opportunity to meet with dozens of local churches at our annual church fair. Students, if you weren't able to make it, connect with our Spiritual Life team to get plugged in at a local church.

Due to improved conditions with the Line and Bridge Fires, the Inland Empire and High Desert Regional Campus sites are reopening and in person classes will resume today.

Students, if you are personally impacted by the fire, please take safety precautions and notify your professor or supervisor when you are able. Accommodations will be granted to the extent possible.

The Department of Campus Safety will continue to monitor conditions and notify as appropriate. Should you have any questions, please connect with your faculty.

Azusa Pacific University is humbled and honored to be recognized with a historic placement in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭'𝘴 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S., as the top-ranked 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. The 𝘞𝘚𝘑'𝘴 rankings are reflective of real world outcomes including alumni earnings, graduation rates, social mobility, and student satisfaction.

“This significant recognition by 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 affirms Azusa Pacific is a top Christian university in the nation with a clear track record of proven results,” said Adam J. Morris, PhD, president. “We provide our students with a transformative Christ-centered education that equips them to succeed as ethical and competent leaders in their chosen fields upon graduation.”

Read more: apu.edu/media/news/release/apu-named-top-christian-university-in-california-by-the-wall-street-journal/.

Today, we honor the memories of those lost on September 11, 2001. Our hearts go out to the families who still grieve, as we stand united 🇺🇸

Due to ongoing issues from the Line Fire, APU’s Inland Empire Regional Campus site will remain closed on Wednesday, September 11. Also, due to multiple impacts from the Bridge Fire, with a focus on safety, the High Desert Regional Campus site will be closed on Wednesday, September 11.

Classes will be moved online wherever possible and rescheduled, if necessary. Students, please wait for instruction from your professor. Staff will work remotely.

The Department of Campus Safety will continue to closely monitor the situation and will continue to provide updates.

We enjoyed hosting a group of 85 talented music students from Valley Christian School to learn from our renowned conducting professor John Burdett!

Last week, students enjoyed sampling local cuisine at "A Taste of Azusa." Thanks to all the local restaurants and organizations who took part!

On Saturday, APU's renowned School of Nursing celebrated the 20th anniversary of the PhD in Nursing program, the first doctoral program at APU. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated faculty, passionate students, and esteemed alumni who have contributed to this remarkable journey. Your commitment to advancing nursing science and leadership has been truly inspiring. Here’s to many more years of innovation, collaboration, and impact in the field!

Due to the Line Fire burning in San Bernardino County, APU’s Inland Empire Regional Campus will be closed on Monday, September 9.

The Department of Campus Safety is monitoring communications from the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District and local law enforcement agencies regarding the 21,000-acre Line Fire burning in the San Bernardino National Forest.
The Department of Campus Safety is also tracking the Bridge Fire in Angeles National Forest and will continue to provide necessary updates to the APU community regarding safety and security.

Follow San Bernardino County Fire, L.A. County Fire, and Angeles National Forest on X for the latest updates.

Matt Browning, MA ’94, EdD, serves APU’s commuters by developing resources to help them thrive, especially by facilitating events in the Cougar Dome to build community. By sharing about his faith and actively spreading Christ’s love, Matt is a true example of being a difference maker.

“My goal is to increase community for commuter students, so that they are included in consistent opportunities to build connections with others."

Read Matt’s story: apu.edu/articles/staff-saturday-matthew-browning-ma-94-edd-lives-out-his-calling-through-developing-student-engagement-as-the-director-of-commuter-life/.

Rachel Castaneda, PhD, teaches psychology students to love like Jesus. As a significant contributor to the field of public health, she uses her calling to make a difference, especially through the many grants she’s earned toward partnering with counties to create curricula for addressing youth substance use early intervention.

“Jesus shows compassion to the man who was sick for many years. Faith integration in psychology is teaching students to care and love like Jesus did.”

Read Rachel’s story: apu.edu/articles/faculty-friday-a-calling-with-a-definite-purpose-rachel-castaneda-phd-teaches-students-to-love-like-jesus/.

Four cities. Three weeks. Two enthusiastic faculty members. APU's Theater Arts study abroad trip to the UK this summer was truly one unforgettable adventure.

"Engaging in a different culture and witnessing so much theatrical history was critical to making this experience as transformative as possible,” said Kirsten Lundin Humer, MFA, program director of APU's BFA in Acting for the Stage and Screen.

Read about the trip: apu.edu/articles/academic-feature-apu-theater-arts-program-studies-abroad-in-the-uk/.

On-campus jobs provide students with enriching opportunities to strengthen their skillsets and as they prepare to enter the workforce. From flexible hours to mentorship, working on campus is a great way for students to have a source of income while completing their degree and making time for extracurricular activities.

“Working for Media Production at APU has been such a thrill in gaining hands-on experience by learning how to operate cameras, direct shows live, edit footage afterwards, and collaborate with my colleagues in the field and in the control room,” said senior cinematic arts major Ricky Lopez.

Ready more about APU's on-campus job opportunities: apu.edu/articles/academic-feature-on-campus-jobs-offer-students-flexible-and-enriching-work/.

Introducing the Staff Saturday series: APU's staff plays a vital role in students’ transformative experiences on campus. We are blessed to have a community of Christians who follow their God-given callings, dedicating themselves to pursuing God’s goodness and honoring Him in all they do for the APU community. This new series is intended to uplift and shine a light on our amazing staff.

Our first story features Brooke Lincoln, head coach of APU’s women’s soccer team. She finds fulfillment and joy in the sport she loves, inspiring her team to cultivate discipline, collaboration, and integrity on the field.

“Sports are where life skills happen. I get to see players at their highest and lowest moments, so my hope is that I can continue to share Jesus’ joy by walking alongside them through their journey on the team.”

Read Brooke’s story: apu.edu/articles/staff-saturday-brooke-lincoln-equips-apu-s-women-s-soccer-team-to-pursue-excellence/.

We’re thrilled to bring back our Faculty Friday series! Every Friday during the school year, we will share a story of our world class faculty, sharing their journey of how they got to APU and what they love most about teaching here. Our first Faculty Friday story of the school year is on Cynthia Dollins, EdD.

Cynthia has always loved getting lost in a book. She has dedicated her career toward advocating for students of all ages to have access to literature because of its transformative nature. In APU’s School of Education, Cynthia cultivates relationships with students to equip them to be bold in their faith.

“Jesus was the best teacher, and he connected with the people he taught. So I hope educators build strong relationships with the students who enter their classrooms,” Cynthia said.

Read Cynthia’s story: apu.edu/articles/faculty-feature-cynthia-dollins-edd-advocates-for-literacy-through-her-life-long-love-of-stories/.

The first chapel of the year was amazing! We loved praising the Lord with our students, faculty, and staff and diving into the university passage (Nehemiah 2:20) for the first time.

Registration is now open for APU's Homecoming! All students and alumni are invited to bring family and friends back to campus Oct. 25-26 for Homecoming Chapel, Lunch with the Presidents, Support Local Market and Street Fair, and Men's and Women's Soccer Games.

Register: apu.edu/homecoming.

Starting your freshman year at APU is an enriching season to grow spiritually, personally, and professionally. We asked 10 graduates from the class of 2024 to share the advice they wish they’d known while beginning their college journey.

Read the story: apu.edu/articles/10-pieces-of-advice-from-recent-apu-graduates-to-incoming-students/.

Happy first day of school!

One of our most sacred traditions is ending Welcome Weekend with prayer circles where families pray for their children as they begin college, sending them off with blessings and love❤️

Candela, the family picnic dinner, and Alpha Groups meeting for the first time are always our favorite parts of Welcome Weekend!

Beyond excited to welcome our new students to campus! The fun is just getting started!

Yesterday, APU celebrated our annual Faculty/Staff Kickoff featuring addresses from President Morris and several leaders across campus, a presentation of the Uncommon Citizen Awards for Heather Snyder (staff) and LaShan Epperson (faculty), a speech with wisdom from C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien by renowned Inklings scholar Diana Pavlac Glyer, and inspirational worship from our chapel band. Thank you to all of our amazing faculty and staff who attended. We're more than excited to kick off the 2024-25 school year!