News Release: SBM Reaffirmed for IACBE Accreditation for 7 Years

This news release was originally published on APU’s website.

Azusa Pacific University’s highly ranked School of Business and Management (SBM) has received reaffirmation for accreditation by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

“Receiving IACBE accreditation provides great assurance to our students that we continually pursue excellence and self evaluation,” said Todd Pheifer, EdD, associate dean and director of accreditation, assessment, and grants in the SBM. “We received the maximum length of accreditation—seven years—which is confirmation of not only the exceptional work we’ve been doing, but also where we’re going.”

IACBE accreditation is mission-driven and outcomes-based. It involves an independent, external evaluation of the business programs offered by an institution’s academic business unit. The effectiveness of the program is evaluated based on nine principles: commitment to integrity, responsibility, and ethical behavior; quality assurance and advancement; strategic planning; business curricula and learning opportunities; business faculty characteristics, activities, and processes; policies, procedures, and processes; external relationships; and innovation in business education.

“We received the gold standard level of accreditation. When IACBE conducted interviews with employers who have hired our graduates, they received stellar reviews about our programs, commending our innovation and creativity,” said Roxanne Helm-Stevens, DBA, interim dean of the SBM. “Our students benefit from our phenomenal faculty team. They’re so dedicated to our mission. They go out of their way to connect with, help, mentor, and pour into our students.”

Graduates from the SBM are currently working in high-level positions at top global companies including all of the “Big Four” accounting firms, Google, NASA, JPL, UPS, Travelers, Target, Kaiser, IEHP, TikTok, and the IRS, among many others. Graduates have also gone on to start their own successful companies.

“Our programs are on the cutting edge of business schools. We’re always looking for ways to innovate to provide more value for our students,” Helm-Stevens said. “We embed credentials and microcredentials in classes along the way, such as Excel, Google Digital Garage, and Hootsuite so students can set themselves apart for internships and jobs. When they meet with a prospective employer, they can showcase their skills and differentiate themselves from the competition.”

The SBM prepares students with the skills and integrity needed to do business well in today’s world. Experienced faculty integrate faith and character throughout each program, equipping students to make a difference and transform how business works. With nine bachelor’s degrees in business and accounting, students can select the program that best fits their career goals. For those looking to advance their careers at the graduate level, APU offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Business Management (MBM), available on campus and online, as well as a Master of Professional Accountancy, Master of Arts in Leadership, Master of Science in Organizational Psychology, and Master of Public Administration.

APU Opens Revamped Duke Student Commons

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Azusa Pacific University recently celebrated the opening of the new John and Marilyn Duke Student Commons on West Campus. The completely redesigned 27,000-square-foot-space, which was formerly known as Heritage Court, enhances the campus experience for all students. “The Duke Commons is intentionally designed to facilitate student connection, engagement, and belonging,” said Keith Hall, EdD, vice president of student belonging and chief diversity officer. “The Commons is a perfect environment for graduate and undergraduate students to organically cultivate new relationships or deepen existing ones with peers, faculty, and staff."

As you enter through the main entrance off of Parking Lot H, the space is filled with a variety of booths for meeting and leisure pods conducive to studying. “Although APU has a number of places across East and West campuses where students can gather, connect, and socialize, the Duke Commons provides a centralized space for students to relate, recharge, and refresh before, in between, and after classes. It offers utility that can serve as a home away from home,” Hall said. Commuter student Eli Herrera, a sophomore psychology major with a music minor, enjoys the many amenities Duke Commons offers. “The seats are comfortable and there are so many that I never have to spend time searching for a place to sit,” Herrera said. “I like how nice and organized it is.”

The Commons also features stadium seating, with seven levels for students to gather under a Cougars banner. “We put a huge, drop-down screen facing the stadium seating, so professors can reserve the space if they’d like to show a film for class, clubs can have a movie night, and we’re planning on doing community events like World Series watch parties,” said Heather Snyder ’99, MBM ’09, director of auxiliary services.

The three eateries on West Campus have also been revamped. Hillside Grounds has a more open design that offers students a perfect spot to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The Grill now features a broader menu including Mexican cuisine and a student favorite, loaded tater tots. The Market allows students to quickly grab a snack or beverage on their way to class. “With these dining venues, there’s something for everyone,” Snyder said. “Whether you’re in the mood for a sandwich, a burrito, or just a quick snack on the go, you can find it here.”

A popular change to the space is the addition of the Campus Store, which offers an extensive selection of APU gear, including t-shirts, polos, tank tops, sweaters, jackets, shorts, and hats. The store also stocks an impressive variety of APU accessories including mugs, water bottles, backpacks, stickers, ornaments, and more. Students can stock up on any necessary class materials from books to binders. Also located in the Commons, Cougar Tech features all the latest Apple products.

At the other end of the Duke Commons sits the Commuter Desk. This desk offers a one stop hub for commuter students to receive services including one free snack per day and access to a printer where they can print up to 10 pages for free each day. They can also store extra materials in lockers, keep their food in a refrigerator, and use microwaves to cook it between classes. “By nature, commuter students do not have the ability to run back to their residential areas, to rest or grab something, so we want to make their lives easier,” said Matt Browning, EdD, director of Commuter Life. “Commuter students are an integral part of the APU community. These students work especially hard to be here and balance work, family, and school. We’re proud to serve these extraordinary students.” APU has more than 1,200 commuter students enrolled for the 2022-23 academic year. Victoria Ramos ’22, a graduate social work student who commutes from Ontario, said the Duke Commons benefits commuters in ways Heritage didn’t. “This is a place where I enjoy spending time.”

Mary Wong Teaches Translanguaging in Vietnam

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

After two years of waiting due to COVID restrictions, Mary Shepard Wong, PhD, professor in the Department of Sociology, TESOL, and Modern Languages, traveled to five cities across Vietnam over three weeks to co-lead four workshops sponsored by the U.S. Department of State on translanguaging. Wong, along with another language specialist, Dongping Zheng, PhD, from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, joined three Vietnamese professors on this project. The team worked together virtually from 2020-2021 to develop a guidebook for all K-12 English teachers in Vietnam on translanguaging in the classroom. “After leading the workshops, I have a much deeper and broader understanding of education in the region,” Wong said.

The guidebook, the in-person workshops, and an online course with prerecorded lectures, are part of a larger project supported by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training for thousands of English teachers across Vietnam. During the workshops, she and Zheng emphasized the power of using translanguaging in the classroom, a process in which teachers and students are encouraged to use all of the languages they know to support their learning. “Instead of using an English only approach, we want to value all learners, all languages, and the cultures they bring to the classroom, to celebrate them, to use all they bring to support learning,” she said. “It’s like being in an art classroom and being told to use only pencils. If you have all these wonderful paints, markers, and other art supplies, why would you limit yourself to just pencils?”

The vast majority of participants were believers in translanguaging by the end of the workshops. Wong taught the teachers to use action research in their classrooms to explore how best to apply translanguaging in their context. “One participant said she used to think research was too difficult and boring, but now she sees how it can help her improve her teaching and help her students learn. She’s planning to implement action research to explore how to best infuse her teaching with a translanguaging approach.” In a survey of 120 workshop participants, 118 agreed or strongly agreed that they would try to use translanguaging and action research. “Many in our workshops are lead teachers and teacher educators, so we anticipate a cascade effect, where they will share what they have learned across Vietnam,” she said. “Our goal was to train teachers and to promote an understanding of U.S. culture. I think we accomplished that in many ways inside and outside of the classroom.”

A big component of this mutual understanding was possible because of the intentional effort Wong put into experiencing Vietnamese culture. She and Zheng wore traditional Vietnamese dresses called ao dai when teaching. “They greatly appreciated how we embraced and honored their culture,” Wong said. “The food was phenomenal. The people were fantastic. They treated us so well.”

Although Wong has visited Southeast Asia more than 20 times over the past two decades, this was only her second time visiting Vietnam. The trip took her to Hanoi, Dong Ha, Ha Tinh, and Ho Chi Minh City. “I really enjoyed Hanoi because I got to see my former student, Andrew Riese (’11). He and his wife showed us the best of Hanoi, which has been their home for over a decade,” Wong said. “I hope to go back to Vietnam soon and follow up with my colleagues, see the teachers again, and experience even more that the country has to offer.”

APU Celebrates the Inauguration of Adam J. Morris

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Azusa Pacific University celebrated the inauguration of its 18th president, Adam J. Morris, PhD, on Wednesday, Sept. 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 or view President Morris’ address.

The festivities began with a processional as APU’s dedicated faculty marched down the aisle donned in regalia from their respective alma maters. Albert Tate, Board of Trustees vice chair, delivered an invocation and acknowledged special guests in attendance, including several university presidents, elected city leaders, and superintendents of local K-12 school districts. Many more special guests livestreamed the inauguration online.

APU’s renowned chapel band took the stage to lead the crowd in worship, followed by special remarks from Shirley Hoogstra, JD, President of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU); Barry Corey, PhD, President of Biola University; and Richard Felix, PhD, President Emeritus of APU. Hoogstra wished Morris success in leading the university into a new era. Corey spoke of how instrumental Morris was in his role as executive vice president and chief transformation officer of Biola, helping the institution thrive missionally, academically, and financially in the ever-changing landscape of Christian higher education. Felix offered personal advice, having served as APU’s president from 1990-2000, encouraging Morris to stand on the shoulders of the 17 presidents who came before him. Felix said he was confident that APU had chosen the right person for the job, saying “His breadth and depth of experience is remarkable. His ability to deal with various and complex issues is simply amazing. He has a firm grasp of the challenges that face all Christian colleges across America today and seasoned wisdom in the pursuit of God’s calling for this assignment.”

The investiture of President Morris was led by Board of Trustees Chair, Thomas G. Miller. All 19 members of the Board took the stage and held onto a cord, which ran through a Bible that once belonged to Cornelis P. Haggard, APU’s 13th president. Morris placed his hand on the Bible with his wife, Faith, holding her hand underneath. “By the power conferred upon me by the Board of Trustees, I hereby instate you as President of Azusa Pacific University. And now, Adam, may the power, peace, and presence of God uphold, sustain, direct, and keep you always. To Him be all the glory,” Miller said. Lucie Moore, JD, prayed for Morris and APU as his tenure as president officially commenced.

Morris delivered his inauguration speech, revisiting the history of APU, 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 Felix, 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 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.”

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 had taken place in Azusa so many years ago, Morris called for the same thing to begin on campus today. “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.”

Morris was presented with gifts embodying APU’s four pillars of Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service from the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and student body. The gifts included a Bible, bookends engraved with Psalm 119:66, a statue of Jesus washing the feet of another, and a wooden table decoration representing the different backgrounds of APU students.

The Inauguration ceremony closed as President Morris was joined by his parents, children, and grandchildren on stage as Tate and Coba Canales, EdD, dean of spiritual life, prayed over the Morris family. “We ask that your love would fill them. We ask that your hope would guide them. We ask that your peace would sustain them. We pray that this presidency would be marked by your presence and your revival, in Jesus’ name.”

Marla Foster Morgan: APU Enabled Me to Make a Difference in the Foster Community

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Marla Foster Morgan ’22 is making a difference in the lives of foster youth. While she pursued a Masters in Public Administration at Azusa Pacific University, Morgan earned a Richter Scholars Research Fellowship which enabled her to research issues affecting transitional aged foster youth. “I loved my experience as a Richter Fellow,” she said. “Doing research in the field was something new to me, but my professors, especially Kimberly Garth-James, supported me the entire way, which prepared me to have a greater impact in my current work as a public administrator.” Morgan’s research was recently published in the World Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Morgan explored how trauma affects young adults as they transition out of foster care to independent living; how spiritual mentorship increases their resilience; and what resources are available for stable housing. She found that transitional age foster youth account for one-third of all homeless youth in the U.S. “I discovered that nearly all the individuals with a spiritual practice had a much better chance of avoiding homelessness and succeeding in life,” she said. “It was phenomenal how big of an effect this had on their resiliency through trials.”

While there are public programs and organizations in place, all of the individuals Morgan interviewed during her research spoke of a lack of resources available to them for addressing the issues of life skills, employment, housing, and trauma as they age out of the system. “My research shows that there needs to be a comprehensive approach,” she said. “We need to provide assistance with housing, resources, and spiritual support.”

As a former foster child herself, spiritual resiliency among foster youth is very important to Morgan. When she was 3-years-old, Morgan was taken from her mother’s care by the Department of Children and Family Services because of unsafe living conditions. Although she was placed in the care of her aunt, Morgan still regularly visited her mother, which led to further abuse. “As a child, I lost my voice to speak up for myself. I couldn’t share what I went through,” she said. “So when I turned 18 and graduated from high school, I moved out of my home immediately. I moved from one house to another, from this couch to that couch.” After months of struggle, Morgan secured a safe living space with help from an organization.

Morgan began attending Cal State Dominguez Hills, but balancing school and a full-time job and taking the bus from Long Beach to Carson every day proved to be extremely challenging, so she ended up dropping out. “That was such a hard season of my life,” she said. “My little sister noticed how unhappy I was. She told me I had always wanted to go to school and that I should go back. I prayed about it and God opened the door for me.” More than a year after dropping out, Morgan returned to college and persevered, earning a Bachelor’s in Public Administration.

After graduation, Morgan finally achieved a sense of stability, allowing her to focus on her work at a company in the private sector. “I did really well at my job, but I felt a calling to do something more,” she said. “I wanted to use my skill set to make an impact in the world based on my biblical values. I chose to pursue my master’s degree at APU so I could learn how to be a public administrator in a godly manner and be best equipped to help transitional age foster youth.” Morgan currently works at Hannah’s Homes, a nonprofit that seeks to provide housing, childcare, spiritual, life, and parenting skills to foster and at-risk youth. She also serves as the educational director on the board of another organization that helps foster youth, provides consultations, and speaks to organizations and foundations about how to better serve transition age foster and at-risk youth.

Morgan’s faith is paramount to the way she lives her life and interacts with others. At a young age, she received a children’s Bible, which she read cover-to-cover. “That’s when the word of God took root in my heart. It was very powerful,” she said. As an adult, Morgan got very involved at her church—Love and Unity Christian Fellowship in Compton. She would spend many hours every week there, even going during breaks from school just to pray with the elders. “They became a family for me. There were so many people at that ministry who were fully committed to God, which helped me grow in my faith. It transformed my life for the better,” she said. Morgan experienced more growth at APU with support from the Christ-centered community. Her faith played a huge role in her research and continues to do so in her work today. “My faith is my guiding compass, the basis for everything I do. I hope and pray that my work will truly make a difference in the lives of foster youth. It’s only possible because of God.”

Eimee Ponciano: Trusting God in the Uncertainty

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

When Eimee Ponciano ‘24 is confronted with big decisions, she turns to the one who has always steered her in the right direction—God. Ponciano has been presented with many opportunities at Azusa Pacific University. Although she faced uncertainty in these moments, she decided to go for it each time with no regrets. “My biggest advice for young students is to take a chance on things you might not normally do and trust God. For me, that’s being an honors student, an alpha leader, and a resident advisor,” she said. “I’m normally a more quiet and reserved person, but these experiences and programs at APU have brought me more fulfillment than I’ve ever known.”

A first generation college student, Ponciano’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from Guatemala. Ponciano’s grandfather started a nondenominational Spanish church, Iglesia de Cristo Unidad Familiar in Florence-Graham, when she was a young child. Today, her father and grandfather serve as co-pastors. “I was literally raised in the church,” she said. “But it wasn’t until middle school that I really found my own faith. I felt God’s presence and my faith grew from there.”

Ponciano applied to many colleges across Southern California, wanting to stay close to home. She chose APU after feeling a strong connection to her counselor. “I had a lot of questions. She just kept answering them happily and asking if I had any more,” Ponciano said. “I really liked that. That was something I didn’t get from any other school—the personal touch and dedication from the staff.” This support from faculty and staff proved pivotal for Ponciano since school often felt overwhelming. “Everything was so new to me. I didn’t know anything about credits or how to get the classes I needed,” she said. “I overcame these challenges by admitting I needed help, not trying to do everything on my own. The GEN1 Scholars and TRIO programs have been invaluable, especially the advice from my mentor Armando Bustos.”

Ponciano entered her freshman year undeclared, enrolling in the exploring program. Although she didn’t know what she wanted to study for her primary major, She boldly decided to join the Honors College and double major in humanities. “I was a little intimidated at first. I felt like everybody in honors was a genius and I didn’t think I had much to offer,” she said. “But I felt God calling me to do it. It’s been a great experience. I love hearing all the insights my classmates have to offer, showing me things I never would have thought of during colloquy.” Ponciano has enjoyed reading great texts including Homer’s Odyssey, Dante’s Divine Comedy, and Milton’s Paradise Lost. “I’m able to learn so much about philosophy and theology without majoring in those subjects. I love that aspect.”

After taking an introductory course, she decided on Psychology as her second major. Ponciano’s favorite course, Abnormal Psychology taught by Stephen Lambert, PsyD, was full of key information she’ll use in her career. “It’s easy to get distracted by how fantastical some of these illnesses are, but professor Lambert always made sure that we remembered these are real people we’re working with,” she said. “This isn’t a movie you’re watching or a book you’re reading. This is real life and you need to treat everyone with grace and respect.”

After finishing her freshman year virtually, Ponciano looked forward to experiencing APU in person, commuting from Watts to Azusa. Presented with another opportunity that was out of her comfort zone, Ponciano chose to go for it again, becoming an alpha leader. “I loved helping my alpha group members, but I wanted to go deeper,” she said. “So I decided to apply to be an RA.” Ponciano got the job, serving as an RA in Engstrom hall during the 2022-23 school year. “I want to be of service to my freshmen,” she said. “To be there for them however I can.”

Ponciano looks forward to being the first in her family to graduate from college. “My parents came here to give a better life to their children,” she said. “Graduating from college is what they dreamed of for my sister and I—we’re their living wish. I may be the first in my family to graduate from college, but I certainly won’t be the last. It makes me happy to see their dreams come true.”

Baseball Coach Kirk Nieuwenhuis Comes Full Circle

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Kirk Nieuwenhuis ’12 returned to his old stomping grounds in 2020 with a plethora of professional baseball experience, eager to help the Cougars program excel to new heights. At first, he served as an assistant coach, but after 18-year head coach Paul Svagdis left APU to return to his alma mater, Tufts University, in 2021, Nieuwenhuis was chosen to be his successor, serving at the helm of Cougar baseball.

Nieuwenhuis was a star outfielder for the Cougars from 2006-08, batting .373 over three seasons alongside eventual MLB All-Star Stephen Vogt ’07. Together, they helped APU reach the NAIA World Series in back-to-back years. Reflecting on his time as a player at APU, Nieuwenhuis said he wouldn’t trade it for anything. “I have so many good memories [of] hanging out with teammates on and off the field,” he said. “Those bonds and relationships were so strong. Many of my teammates came to my wedding, and I’ve gone to theirs. Those lifelong friendships are what made it special.”

In 2008, the New York Mets made Nieuwenhuis the highest MLB draft pick in APU history, selecting him in the third round with the 100th overall pick. “I always had a desire to play in the big leagues, but I was certainly surprised when I got drafted in the third round,” he said. Nieuwenhuis said that the first year in the minor leagues was the hardest transition as he adapted to the demanding pro schedule. “I realized quickly that I needed to rely on and draw near to God,” he said. “I remember missing a family reunion that my parents and relatives attended and feeling lonely and homesick.”

In that moment, and many more that followed throughout his professional career, Nieuwenhuis turned to a favorite Scripture, Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Nieuwenhuis knew that God had a plan for his life and he could only take things day by day. “In all the uncertainty, that verse provided comfort for me, knowing that God’s in control and I could trust Him.”

This trust in God proved pivotal to Nieuwenhuis’ career. It took a few years before he matriculated from the minor leagues to MLB, but when he debuted in 2012, Nieuwenhuis made a splash, batting .252 with 7 home runs, 12 doubles, and 28 RBIs over 91 games. He appeared in 226 games for the Mets over the next three years, but was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2015, before being cut and re-signing with the Mets in a matter of weeks. “I relied on God a lot during that time,” he said. Later that year, Nieuwenhuis became the first player to hit three home runs in a single game at Citi Field and the first Cougar to play in a World Series. “That was the highlight of my professional career. It just emphasized how special baseball is and the excitement you have in playing with your teammates at the highest level. I was just so grateful for the opportunity to play in a World Series. It’s something that every ballplayer dreams of but there’s not many people that get to do it.”

Nieuwenhuis went on to play a few more seasons in the majors with the Milwaukee Brewers before deciding to end his professional playing career. Soon after, he received a call from his former head coach at APU. “I didn’t know if coaching was ultimately the career for me, but coming back to APU felt right. I wouldn’t have done it anywhere else,” he said.

Nieuwenhuis said Coach Svagdis was a great mentor during his time playing for APU and an even better teacher in the two years Nieuwenhuis was able to coach under him. “I was a pretty fiery player and he helped me keep my emotions in check on the field and channel them into higher levels of performance, especially in high-stakes games,” Nieuwenhuis said. “In terms of coaching, the biggest thing I learned from him is that players respond to different styles of coaching. What works for one of my guys may not work for another, so I have to get to know my players and how to coach each of them best.”

Nieuwenhuis teaches his players to focus on each pitch. “Being present during a game and in life takes an incredible amount of mental energy; that’s why it helps to focus on just one day or one pitch at a time,” he said. “My players are learning, just like I did, to trust the process, not the results. You don’t always get the results you want, but you can control the process and learn from it.”

Coaching at APU provides Nieuwenhuis with an avenue for sharing his faith with his players. “That’s not something you get to do everywhere,” he said. “It’s important for me to help them learn the perspective that baseball is important, but whether you win or lose, at the end of the day, it’s just a game. The bonds these guys form with each other, how they treat people, and ultimately their relationship with the Lord is far more important than anything they do on the field.”

After working with the team each day, Nieuwenhuis returns home to his wife, Bethany, and their two children. His professional career taught him a lot about how to prioritize his time. “When I leave the field, I leave work behind. My time at home is for my family and I’m grateful that coaching at APU allows me to be present and focused with them,” he said.

For Nieuwenhuis, it truly feels like he has come full circle—after an amazing collegiate baseball career at APU, he spent years cutting his teeth in the minor leagues, then made a lasting impact at the MLB level, and now is back at his alma mater coaching the next generation of Cougars. “It’s definitely been an honor and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be back on the campus where I learned so much and made many lifelong memories and friends.”

Melissa Moore: Finding My Voice through “Faith Hope Love”

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Although the decade after graduating from Azusa Pacific University didn’t go exactly according to plan, Melissa (Dowdy) Moore ’11 is living her dream. Moore is the host of the “Faith Hope Love” show on Spirit Radio in Visalia, Calif. “I dreamed of being on the radio as a kid, but I never thought it could actually happen. I was a bit of a nerd and lacked the courage necessary,” she said. “It was only over time that God gave me the opportunities—many of which were at APU—to slowly build my confidence, to trust in Him that whatever He called me to, He would make happen.”

Originally from Cambria, Calif., Moore attended church as a child, but it wasn’t until high school that her faith became her own. “One day it just hit me that this isn’t just a book to read or songs to sing on Sunday, God cares intimately about me. I was starting to look at schools and I chose APU because God was central. I knew I could grow in my faith and character there.”

Moore found her community at APU, thriving in different areas across campus. During her freshman year, she joined Bel Canto and had an amazing time performing on tour. As a sophomore, she studied abroad in South Africa. “It really took me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to learn about God in new ways. Seeing different perspectives and forms of worship taught me that I had so much to learn,” Moore said. “A church there even asked me to preach, which was a life changing experience.” As a junior, Moore served as a resident advisor (RA) in Adams Hall and a research and teacher’s assistant (TA) in the Department of Psychology, leading her to broaden her horizons, before graduating a semester early with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Biblical Studies.

Following graduation, Moore began a job at a local church and later went back to school for a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Western Seminary. “I was about halfway through the program when my husband, Chris, and I experienced tremendous loss,” she said. “We had three miscarriages back-to-back. I thought I had been through grief before, but that just hit me differently.” Moore questioned what God was doing in her life.

As part of her recovery, Moore stopped pursuing her MFT, ending up with a Diploma in Pastoral Care to Women instead. “God was pulling me in a different direction. I was able to use my gifts of counsel and connecting with the hearts of women,” she said. Moore began speaking to groups of women about her grief, before delving into other topics. She enjoyed speaking, but was forced to pivot when the pandemic struck. One of her friends had suggested starting a podcast a year earlier, but Moore had dismissed the idea at the time. “Then I was stuck at home bored because of COVID. I needed to do something. I decided to take my friend’s suggestion.” For the show, she reached out to a few publishers and started receiving author interviews. “I got to talk with Joana Weaver and Suzanne Stabile—these were bucket list authors for me,” she said. “I had many friends supporting me, listening to the show. It was nice to see the impact it was having.”

About a year later, Moore got a call from a producer at Spirit Radio, who wanted to turn her podcast into a radio show. She accepted the position and has hosted “Faith Hope Love” weekdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. since the beginning of 2022. “My biggest goal for my show is for people to know how God loves them. If we can fully embrace the unconditional, unmerited, incredible love God has for us, it can change our lives,” she said. “I’ve seen it happen for me personally. I went through so much in my 20s that I never thought I’d have to endure, but God’s love pulled me through and gave me hope for the future.”

Although she’s living her dream now, there were many challenging moments along the way. “There were a few times I almost quit. I was afraid,” Moore said. “I found that when you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone, even when you’re terrified and there’s no guarantee of success, God shows up. He has a plan.” Moore gained the tools she needed to step out in faith through her collegiate experience. “Being an RA, a TA, presenting research, performing on stage, sharing my faith in South Africa—all of these things helped me build the confidence I needed to succeed,” she said. “I can honestly say that I wouldn't be who I am or where I am today without APU.”

Breaking Barriers: Randall Trice '19, '20 Provides Foster Youth with Shoes for Grades

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Randall Trice '19, '20 got lost on his first day of school at Azusa Pacific University. As he tried to find the way to his theology class, his nerves began to grow. When he finally stumbled into the classroom, his professor, Paul Shrier, looked at him with compassion and asked if he was looking for theology. Trice nodded and Shrier replied, “Well then, you’re in the right spot. Have a seat.”

As a first generation student, the struggle to get to that classroom on his first day of college was symbolic of a greater challenge. “I didn’t have any family to show me how to fill out the FAFSA application or how to read a syllabus. I had to learn to navigate college on my own,” he said.

As he adjusted to college life, he explored majors. Like many students, Trice wasn’t sure what career path to take. He knew he loved working with kids and thought about becoming a nurse, then a psychologist, before discovering his dream profession. “There are so many avenues to travel with social work. You won’t become rich by being a social worker, but you will gain a lot of knowledge and be able to help many people,” he said.

With a clear direction now in mind as a social work major, Trice focused on growing in his faith. He had chosen APU because of the university’s God First commitment. Although he grew up going to church for the first half of his life, his faith had dissipated over the years. “I wanted to get connected back to God. I felt lost for so long and knew I needed His guidance,” he said. “When I got to APU, it was like Christmas day. Chapel provided the spiritual TLC I needed. I wanted to stand up, put my hands up, and just groove to the worship. I was like a kid in a candy store.”

As Trice flourished spiritually, he developed a passion for education. After he graduated in 2019, he went on to earn his Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree in 2020. As part of his MSW coursework, Trice had to analyze a nonprofit organization. He didn’t like any of the available options, so he decided to start his own. “My professor, Donna Gallup, told me if I could come up with a mission statement and a target audience, she'd let me make my own for the class project. I had an idea in my head for a while before that, but this led me to put it on paper and start it soon after that.” Based out of Pasadena, Trice’s idea is now a functioning nonprofit called Shoes4Grades, which donates shoes to foster youth. Kids can get one pair of shoes for free. If they’d like to get a second, all they have to do is bring up their quarterly scores by 5 percent, or half a letter grade. “I wanted Shoes4Grades to motivate kids to do well academically and to develop a lifelong love of learning,” he said. “If you can get a good education, you can break the cycle of poverty and set an example for the next generation to follow.”

This mission is personal for Trice. At 9-years-old, he and his brother were separated from their mother and placed in the Department of Children and Family Services care. Trice went from living somewhere without gas, hot water, and very little food to a place where his needs were met. “Being put in foster care was the best thing that could have happened at the time,” he said. “We were not living in good conditions. I prayed and prayed and God answered. Although the transition arose from some unfortunate events, it was something we desperately needed.”

As Trice settled into life in his new home, he began to go to school, something he hadn’t done before. Unfortunately, he experienced something many foster kids can relate to—bullying. “All of my clothes were hand-me-downs, things that other foster kids had worn before, but weren’t really fit for me,” he said. “A lot of kids were really mean. They’d pick on me because I didn’t have the latest clothes or shoes.” This changed when he joined the basketball team. “I was pretty good at basketball back then, so kids decided they would rather align with me than bully me,” he said. “Sports were definitely the common denominator for us.”

While Trice began to find acceptance socially, he still struggled academically. “I was a poor reader. I didn’t fully learn how to read until 7th grade,” he said. “My mother never sat down and read with us. My caregiver didn’t even know because I was too embarrassed to say anything about it.” Trice’s lack of literacy made it hard to succeed in school, until one day when he found the courage to ask his English teacher for help. “She took me to a reading club where I started learning basic phonics and how to blend words. It took a long time and was very frustrating at first, but she kept pushing me to show up and learn.” After Trice learned to read, his grades drastically improved. By the time he graduated high school, his GPA was strong enough to apply to college. He attended a school in Maryland, before coming back home to take classes in a setting where he felt more comfortable, transferring to Pasadena City College, before landing at APU.

Trice strives to make sure his sons Jordan, 11, and Kyrie, 3, have the upbringing he lacked. While taking a full load of classes at APU, he worked a full-time job as a campus supervisor at a group home called Hillsides. Balancing higher education, a job, and fatherhood was a tall task. “Jordan’s schedule often conflicted with mine, so I had to be proactive and move things around so I could be there for him,” he said. “I don’t know how I did it, but it all worked out.” Failure was not an option since Trice was determined to set an example for his sons. “That’s why I went to school, to lay down the foundation for them to follow. Education opened up so many doors for me, and I want them to experience the same thing, just without the barriers I faced.”

This is what Trice aims to do through Shoes4Grades, to remove obstacles, allowing children to thrive in school. As of June 30, 2022, the organization has donated 2,307 pairs of shoes to children in need in the community and across the nation. The results have been striking– the motivation of new shoes has led to children getting much better grades. Trice hopes to continue the growth of Shoes4Grades by building a facility to provide a space for mentoring and tutoring. He also hopes to partner with a shoe company. “We want to go from 2,000 pairs of shoes to 200,000, but we don’t have the funds for that,” he said. “If we had a partner to help us, we could expand our impact, blessing more kids in the community with confidence and encouraging them to do well academically.”

Faith got Trice where he is today and it continues to guide him. “My faith is a huge part of every decision I make,” he said. “My favorite verse has always been ‘with God, all things are possible.’ God called me to start Shoes4Grades. I hope my example shows that anything is truly possible through God.”

Randall Trice is APU’s nominee for the 2023 Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) Young Alumni Award which recognizes an individual (or a team of individuals working in a joint venture) who has achieved uncommon leadership or success in a way that reflects the values of Christian higher education.

Manuel Camacho: My Faith Comes First

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

When Manuel Camacho walks across the stage at Azusa Pacific University’s commencement ceremony in May 2023, he will have accomplished a lifelong goal: to become the first person in his family to graduate from college. Camacho’s hard work led to this moment, but it wouldn’t have been possible alone.“I have a lot of my family rooting for me, helping me stay focused on graduating,” he said. “I want to make them proud.”

It all began with a simple campus tour. Camacho received a letter in the mail from APU, and although he didn’t know much about the school, he and his mother decided to make the 45-minute drive from Colton to check it out. “We both fell in love with APU and all it had to offer. By the end of the tour, we were already talking with admissions and signing up for registration,” he said. “I knew this was the right place for me.”

As a first generation college student, Camacho faced many challenges. Not knowing where to turn, Camacho found APU’s community provided the help he needed to thrive. “The community aspect was so impactful for me,” he said. “APU was where I learned it’s okay to be friendly and talk to random people, to introduce yourself to strangers and just have conversations. That was very new for me. It made it easy to make friends, which I’m grateful for.”

Camacho also enjoys the Christian aspect of APU’s community, the way it feels to be at an institution that puts God First. “My faith comes first,” he said. “Ever since my Mom and I were reintroduced to church when I was 14, my faith has continued to grow. It influences every decision I make in my business, school, and life. It’s great to be surrounded by a community of people who share my values at APU.”

With an entrepreneurial background, Camacho decided to major in business. “I’ve learned a lot in my classes that will help me later in life,” he said. “For now, the most important thing I’ve learned is the significance of networking, which helps me in my current business.” He runs his own company called Camacho Customs, where he creates one-of-a-kind designs on shoes. “It started at the beginning of COVID. I was looking for something to make and I began researching customized shoes. I taught myself how to create them,” he said. “At first I was just doing commissions for friends and family, then other people began hearing about my shoes through word of mouth.” Camacho has created dozens of designs on leather and canvas sneakers— everything from Vans and Converses to Nike Air Force 1s and even a pair of $400 Air Jordans. His past designs include sports teams’ colors, band logos/album covers, animated characters, flowers, cups of coffee, and everything in between. Camacho showcases his designs on Instagram and TikTok. “I bring my customers’ ideas to life.”

As Camacho’s business continues to grow, he has not lost sight of the big picture. “One day I’d like to partner with a shoe company to expand my business,” he said. “For now though, my number one goal is graduating. I’m excited to make my family proud when I walk across that stage.”