Presidential Inauguration

Azusa Pacific University celebrated the inauguration of its 18^th President, Adam J. Morris, PhD, on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. More than 2,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university filled the Felix Event Center to watch as Morris was officially sworn in to take the helm of APU. “During my interview process with the Board of Trustees, I told the leadership of this great university that I wanted to be part of something so big that only God could do it,” Morris said. “It’s that hopeful expectation of what God will do in our midst that motivates and encourages me to join each one of you on this epic adventure called Azusa Pacific University.” Watch a recap of the entire program.

President Morris Delivers His Inaugural Address

APU Celebrates the Inauguration of President Morris | Azusa Pacific University

During his inauguration address, Morris revisited the history of APU, all the way back to its roots as the Training School for Christian Workers. “The institution grew to become Pacific Bible College, then Azusa College, followed by Azusa Pacific College, and today, Azusa Pacific University,” he said. “APU’s history is replete with remarkable men and women of God whom He has used to advance His mission throughout the world.” Morris spoke of the impact these great leaders had, including Richard Felix, Cornelius Haggard, William Marshburn, Cliff Hamlow, Carolyn Koons, Ron Turner, Nobel Henson, and past president Jon R. Wallace. “Pausing this morning to remember anecdotes from APU’s past is both healthy and wise. It’s Biblical and it’s fitting for a day like today,” Morris said. “The Psalmist writes, ‘I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you’ve done; I ponder the work of your hands’ (Psalm 143:5). Recalling moments from our past is really an invitation to reflect on God’s goodness, faithfulness, and to acknowledge all that God has done.”

Morris also spoke about the priorities for the year ahead, including developing a financial roadmap, reinvesting in infrastructure, bringing clarity to the strategic plan, spending time cultivating community well-being, and building an executive team to chart the course into a future full of possibilities. “There is much to do, and I couldn’t be more optimistic for our future, but I would be remiss today if I didn’t ground us yet again in our sacred, time-honored mission,” he said.

APU is an institution that is unapologetically Christ-centered, with a deep commitment to academic excellence, a global Great Commission mindset, and a passion to touch the lives of our beloved and diverse student body.

Adam J. Morris, PhD

Morris gave examples of several students who are doing exemplary work, readying themselves to become difference makers in their respective fields. Having spoken earlier about the revival that took place in Azusa so many years ago, Morris called for the same thing to begin on campus now. “I’ve begun to pray for revival at Azusa Pacific University; I invite you to do the same,” he said. “It’s hard for me to put into words the strong sense that I have that God is about to do something new, and even miraculous, in our midst. But I can tell you that I sense it. I believe it’s coming.”