APU Articles

Called to Faithfulness

January 18, 2024

Throughout the pages of the last several issues of APU Life we have intentionally focused on APU’s unwavering commitment to Christ-centered higher education. After all, how can we claim to be a God First institution if the Truth of God’s Word doesn’t permeate every crack and crevice of this place?

Adam Morris on a stage speaking to a group of people.

Dominique Johnson '10: Pouring into the Next Generation

January 17, 2024 | Alumni, Business, Transfer

Dominique Johnson ’10 is driven to pour into the next generation. After 13 years playing professional basketball in the NBA D-League, for many international teams, and in the Big3, Johnson returned to Azusa Pacific University to serve as assistant coach on the men’s basketball team. “I wanted to share my knowledge and experience,” Johnson said. “I talked with (head coach) Pete Bond and he said I should start here. I’m grateful for the opportunity and it’s been great to be back at APU.” Johnson’s journey back to his alma mater was a long one, filled with lots of life lessons that he hopes to pass on.

A Commitment to Biblical Diversity

January 14, 2024

Imagine a university community where all students, faculty, staff, and administrators experience a heightened sense of community and belonging—an open-enrolled, Christ-centered community where all employees and students are seen, spiritually formed, intellectually stimulated, socially connected, and culturally adept with faith-informed resolve to advance the work of God in the world. Imagine a community where there are no disparities in success outcomes across diverse categorical lines.

Faculty Friday: Brian Plummer Spreads Joy by Fulfilling His Purpose

January 12, 2024

Brian Plummer, PhD, is known among students for offering words of affirmation at the end of each class, sharing wisdom and “rules to live by” at the end of the semester, and ultimately using his humor and optimism to create a lasting impact. He frequently tells them, “stay beautiful,” “you matter,” “Plummer loves ya,” and many other encouraging phrases. His role as a history and political science professor combines his passion for mentorship, storytelling, and faith in Christ.

Faculty Friday: Brian Plummer Spreads Joy by Fulfilling His Purpose

International Voices: David Saenz ’24 Seeks to Inspire and Uplift Through Film and Building Community

January 10, 2024 | International

When a family is grounded like a sturdy tree, even the most torrential weather cannot tear them apart. David Saenz ’24, who grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, attributes his bravery, adaptability, and faith to his family. He carries immense passion for filmmaking, remains rooted in his Mexican culture, and hopes to share an aura of positivity in every smile to someone across campus, conversation with someone new, and act of kindness to a stranger.

David Saenz wearing white t-shirt and smiling

Going for the Gold: Natalie ('17) and Chris Meinhold ('20) Make an Impact Through Physical Therapy

January 03, 2024 | Alumni, Health Sciences

As sneakers skid across the gym floor and the basketball is passed from player to player, physical therapists Natalie (Peterson) ’17 Chris Meinhold ’20 watch closeby—ready to provide critical on the court assistance as needed and cheering on the players they’ve trained with over the course of the past two weeks. The basketball swishes, and their team—the USA men’s deaf basketball team—wins the 2023 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Heraklion, Greece as the crowd erupts in cheers. The USA women’s team follows suit.

Natalie and Chris smiling with their medals

International Voices: Camille Campbell ’25 Adapts Through Changes and Cultural Identities

December 13, 2023 | International

At six-years-old, Camille Campbell, ’25, moved with her family from Philadelphia to a city near Paris, France. Campbell’s father, a pastor, felt called to pursue ministry, and after falling in love with French culture on previous mission trips, his family joined him on a life-changing expedition.

International Voices: Heejae Jeong’s Diligence, Perseverance, and Jeong

December 12, 2023 | International

The Korean word jeong means intimate connection between people in community. Heejae Jeong, ’26, embodies jeong, demonstrating a love for deepening relationships with others and striving to share the joy he finds in Christ with everyone he encounters. His dedication to worshiping God through community led him to pursue a degree in international relations and honors humanities.

Heejae Jeong wearing apu sweatshirt and smiling

International Voices: Victoria Gautto ’24 Discovers Endless Possibilities While Following Her Dreams

December 11, 2023 | International, Music

When she was six-years-old, Victoria Gautto, ’24, was walking around Canoas, Brazil with her family as they heard an array of winds, chimes, and basses. Following the sounds, they found a local social project with a mission to help people from all walks of life have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument. Music ran in Gautto’s family, as her father sang and played guitar in a band, and her younger sister participated in marching bands, so Gautto’s lifelong pursuit of music gradually began. Her journey to Azusa Pacific University to earn her Masters in Music in Clarinet Performance was one of perseverance, faith, and diligence toward her craft as a clarinet player.

Faculty Friday: Kat Ross’ Versatility as an Author and Receptiveness to the Doors God Opens

December 08, 2023

All throughout life, doors open and close. While some only stay open for a season, others last a lifetime. For Kathryn Ross ’15, MA ’18, she never imagined that English would be her major, her hobbies would become a career, and she would stand in front of a classroom of students eager to hear what she has to teach. By stepping through the doors God opened for her, Ross has discovered value in vulnerability, developed deep relationships with a heart for knowing others well, and pursued truth and goodness through everything she writes.

Faculty Friday: Kat Ross’ Versatility as an Author and Receptiveness to the Doors God Opens

Student Spotlight: Tyler Jones ’24 Strives to Be a Light

December 07, 2023 | Communication

Tyler Jones ’24 aims to be a light in the lives of others. A senior communication management major with a psychology minor, Jones felt called to Azusa Pacific University after learning about what the school stood for as a God First institution, which matched his values. He was thrilled to find out he had received a multi-ethnic leadership (MEL) scholarship on top of his academic award and financial aid. “The scholarships lined up perfectly,” Jones said. “They made it possible for me to come to APU and I’m grateful.”

International Voices: Cheyenne Woon ’23 Found Her Home Away From Home at APU

December 05, 2023 | International, Transfer

As a child, Cheyenne Woon, ’23, dreamed of living in America, exploring a big city, and discovering opportunities to expand her career and life. When she transferred to Azusa Pacific University in Fall 2021, her dream came true, but with that came a period of growth, marked by reidentifying what matters most to her, and learning to embrace the parts of her culture that she’ll always love.