LAPU Stories
Denise Rivas
B.S., Criminal Justice
At 56, with a full-time job, returning to school was not an easy task, but I have found a way to juggle family, work and home. I have been able to show my children that anything is possible when you put your trust in God. I am very proud of my accomplishments and especially God’s grace. My Success Coach was such a blessing in my path towards achieving my goals.
Gordon Jorgenson, M.A.
Assistant Dean
What can students expect in their learning experience at LAPU?
Tiffany Ross
As a returning college student and single mother of three small children, I knew my educational journey would be a challenge, but I have not travelled alone since day one at LAPU. God led me to LAPU and he has not left my side since. I am the first member in my immediate family to obtain a college degree, and my children will follow in my footsteps.
Lesley Rankin Gonzalez
English
I love helping students make connections between what they are learning and what they already know, helping them create additional academic and career pathways, and encouraging them as they accomplish academic goals they did not believe possible.
Traia McPherson
LAPU made it possible for me to not only focus on my schooling, but also my life outside of school. The teachers and the success coaches truly want you to learn and succeed. I believe that having a strong support system, determined teachers and God on your side is important while attending school. LAPU has not only helped me to grow in my future career, but as an individual as well.
Shannon Hunt
Psychology
I find it the greatest privilege to help guide students who are uncovering their own passion and excitement to serve within the fields of mental and behavioral health. I know how I lead in the classroom impacts how they will serve in the field, and thus impacts the lives of many people. I love to see how God is using our students at LAPU.
Jenny Cook
English
What an honor it is considered to walk alongside emerging teachers on their new educational journey! As a lifelong learner myself, I always look forward to engaging in discussions with my students, challenging them to think critically about education and young readers and writers, and hopefully pass on some knowledge from my own personal classroom experience!
Juan Lopez
B.S., Organizational Leadership
In 2018 my wife and I decided to start the foster-to-adopt program and in 2019 we brought home a beautiful baby girl. During this entire process I was taking two classes every eight weeks, doing homework, reading, and writing papers. Trying to stay on top of school work and having to feed a newborn every two hours was arduous. My wife and I had many sleepless nights, yet God continued to give us strength. With the tremendous help from my professors, school staff, my wife, and God, I completed my bachelor’s degree.
Robert Carter III
Public Health
I am passionate about public health education. I enjoy the creativity of teaching adult learners in a stimulating virtual educational environment. I am most happy when I can share my passion and watch my students grow mentally and emotionally. With good health we have hope and with hope life is awesome!
Danny Hernandez
I wanted to get my master’s degree but I didn’t want to be in debt. I heard about LAPU and how affordable it is. It was important to me because I still need to provide for my family. L.A. Pacific gave me this opportunity. I’m able to not only provide for my family but also pay for school as I go; and I’ll graduate with no debt.
Christina Luis
God made sure that every door opened for me to attend LAPU. I was connected with a fantastic Success Coach, and all of my classes have been great. I believe that God is the key to my success here at LAPU. I often pray over my schooling and that I continue to walk in God’s will.
Noel Main
B.S., Health Sciences
The thought of going back to college later in life was frightening because I still needed to be there for my children. I did some research on online programs and found LAPU. The journey has not always been easy, but anything worth having takes work. Even through the challenges, I have never felt alone!
Alex Mills
Senior Instructional Designer
I have so many special memories here at LAPU. The most significant impactful memories were when my son Jeremiah was in the hospital and when he went home to be with Jesus. The outpour of love, prayer, and support I received from my department and the LAPU community was massive.
Callista Dawson
Senior Instructional Media Designer
My fondest memories all include food, games, and friends! I have had so much fun over the past decade making new friends, eating some amazing food, and having tons of fun! I am so grateful to work for a company where Jesus always has a seat at the table, where coworkers become family, and where I get to do work that I truly love.
The future is bright!
Dawn McCool
Executive Assistant to President / CEO
These words, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11), first painted on the wall in the reception area at Citrus Edge where Azusa Pacific Online University, began this ten year journey. A name change to University College at Azusa Pacific University did not alter these plans, but rather expanded our reach as we held firm a commitment to faith, life, and learning.
Mike Wilday
Manager of Learning Technology Solutions
Some of my fondest memories center around our time in the Citrus Edge building. I got inspired by my kids at some point and brought in a set of nerf guns for our team to have some fun with.
Jenna Talbot
Reflecting on 10 years… When John Reynolds briefed me on all that he envisioned with the online college, it seemed like a long road ahead. Now flash forward and here we are, it’s incredible!
Deana Porterfield
It was an amazing community of coming to work, in one location, as we dreamed big for what the future might be for online education for Los Angeles Pacific University.
Nick Vandesteeg
We wanted an online university that was a little different than what you normally get across the country and in other words, that was more personal, more involvement with regard to the students and that would otherwise maybe not be able to go to an online university and yet, knowing that there were many advantages to distance learning.
Kurt Takamine
Back in 2011 there was a handful of us that were tasked with building a university and those were very exciting times. We were building a university that would open access to people who could otherwise not afford to go to a university.
Peggy Campbell
I am so honored that I was part of the launch of the University, really by virtue of the relationship to APU but also because I believe in what you’re doing. God bless you and congratulations on a decade and many happy returns!