For students interested in a graduate degree in Art History or Art Education from a Christian institution, there is no better option than Azusa Pacific University. APU’s graduate art programs top the national rankings of many sources including Forbes, Best Colleges, Intelligent, and Grad School Center. APU’s programs offer students rigorous coursework taught by experienced experts, flexible schedules including fully asynchronous or low-residency classes, and multiple entry points each semester, all while preparing students to become difference makers in the art world after graduation.

Faith Informed Instruction

When APU launched the Master of Art in Modern and Contemporary Art History program in 2012, it became one of the only Christian institutions in the country to offer such a graduate degree. The same was true when APU started the Master of Art in Art Education in 2017.

“Other Christian schools had undergraduate art programs, but didn’t offer graduate art programs,” said Bill Catling, MFA, chair of the Department of Art and interim chair of the Department of Design. “We saw the benefit of equipping graduate students with a Christian art education so they could make a difference as educators and leaders.”

APU’s art history program focuses specifically on modern (1830s to 1960s) and contemporary art (1970s to the present). “It’s interesting that while Christianity is such an essential part of medieval and renaissance art, most schools don’t offer any courses on art and religion in modern and contemporary art, or even allow their students to explore the subject,” said Angela George, PhD, program director of the MA in Modern and Contemporary Art. “We don’t shy away from talking about the intersections between Christianity in art.” While faith components are integrated into every course in APU’s art programs, specific courses offer a deeper focus on the relationship between religion and art. Catling believes the exploration of this connection is essential in creating a well rounded art historian and educator. “Whether someone is a person of faith or not, they’re bringing invisible ideas into the making,” he said. “This really allows us to explore what you see and what’s behind what you see.”

Flexible Schedule and Multiple Entry Points

APU’s Art History program is fully online and asynchronous. This offers students tremendous flexibility in completing their education outside of work hours. “About half of our students are teachers who are looking to advance in their careers,” George said. “Our online format allows them to continue working full-time while completing their coursework on their own schedule.” APU’s Art History program is one of only two in the country to offer a fully online format. The program is 36-units, meaning students can complete it in as little as 18 months, although most take 2-3 years to finish it. “We’ve had a lot of art teachers who have had the program mostly or fully paid for by their school districts.”

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Art Education is a low-residency program—meaning the vast majority of courses are offered online while students are required to complete two one-week in-person residency courses as part of the 30-unit program. The access and flexibility caters to a diverse population, including international students who visit the Azusa campus each summer for their residencies. “All of the students love the communal aspects of the residency,” Catling said. “We share meals and do activities together. For many art teachers at the high school, middle school, and elementary level, they’re just consumed by the workload. It’s so intense that they don’t get to make art anymore, so when they come for the summer it’s refreshing for them to get to create artwork. They have a whole week to make art in our caring community and it revitalizes them.”

Both APU’s Art History and Art Education programs offer students five entry-points: two in the spring semester, one in the summer, and two in the fall semester.

“I don’t know of any other institutions that offer five entry-points each year for their master’s arts programs,” George said. “We’re groundbreaking in that respect, and it’s challenging, but we want to offer students that flexibility.”

Friary Nguyen, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE loves spending time in the control room when nursing students are in simulation labs. She watches students on screen as they practice nursing techniques on life-size mannequins, and Nguyen gets in character, speaking through her headphones when controlling the human-like patients. As a certified healthcare simulations educator (CHSE), she enjoys pursuing her calling for loving others through nursing, and teaching students to approach healthcare with a heart for servant leadership.

Nguyen was born in a refugee camp in Malaysia, as her parents fled Vietnam on their way to America. She grew up in Denver and developed an interest in life sciences at a young age, always passionate for learning and prioritizing her education. “I loved asking questions about life and observing God’s creation,” she said. Nguyen studied biology at the University of Denver, before deciding to follow her vocation for Christ, spending ten years in the Dominican Sisters convent in Houston while earning her BA in Secondary Education with a focus in life sciences at St. Thomas University. She taught biology at Catholic high schools, where her joy for teaching increased.

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After realizing that God was calling her to pursue a different vocation, Nguyen returned to Colorado to discern what career path she should take. While serving with the Little Sisters of the Poor, a patient challenged Nguyen, claiming that if she really cared about them she would become a nurse so she could work there full-time. Nguyen took the patient’s words to heart, earning a BSN at Regis University’s accelerated program. The patient fondly remembered Nguyen when she started working full time at the nursing home.

“My nursing journey has always been enlightened by Christ’s love and His continual revelation of good intent,” Nyugen said.

Nguyen worked night shifts while receiving her masters, and developed the desire to teach nursing students the love for being a helping hand in the healing process.

Nguyen was drawn to Azusa Pacific University when she was looking for a place to teach through simulations. She moved to California in 2022, but didn’t start working at APU until 2023 because of a mission trip she went on with Volunteers In Development, Education, and Solidarity (VIDES) in Samoa. Nguyen spent two and a half months with the Salesian Sisters of St. Don Bosco, taking care of Samoan children, establishing a library, and teaching about healthcare. “I spent time with God through serving the poor and my spirit was revived. It reignited my love for others and what I do,” Nguyen said.

Mentorship has played a vital role in Nguyen’s time at APU. From the warm welcome she received from faculty, to the students who have been exceedingly receptive to Nguyen’s teachings, she appreciates the community of uplifting individuals that foster growth in one another. “I’m here because we live out God First. When you love God and want to find Him, He will find ways to enhance that love,” she said.

Nguyen’s faith drives her to teach nursing with Christ’s commandments at the center. “Ultimately the teacher is from above, but I do my best to share what I know from my own experiences,” she said. Her goal is to continue passing on the legacy of such a noble calling, and hopes students hold onto the value of life and loving others.

“I want them each to graduate as transformational nurses,” she said. “I want them to know that God loves them, and they must always treat others well. Remember that you can’t care for others if you don’t care for yourself.”

Between engaging conversations in the classroom, to theatrical expressions of pretend patients in the simulation lab, Nguyen’s outpouring of love is evident. Her words of encouragement to students, inviting office, and faithfulness to God are just some of the ways Nguyen serves as a testament to being a difference maker.

Christina Mansour (Estafanous,) MAEd ’07, sits at her desk at Buena Park High School (BPHS), helping a sophomore student who has walked in without an appointment and just needs someone to talk to about an issue in class. Mansour patiently provides kindhearted feedback, taking the time out of her busy day to listen to the student’s needs, even though she has another appointment that she now must push back a few minutes. “I love my job. The high schoolers I work with can be very challenging sometimes, but I love them,” she said. “I enjoy having conversations with kids about their futures and what’s going on in their lives. I truly get to know them over the years they’re here.”

Mansour knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age. She had some influential teachers who made a big impact in her life and realized she wanted to do the same, to help kids learn and grow. After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in math and a single subject teaching credential, she began teaching math at West Covina High School (WCHS) in 2001. “Math has always come naturally to me. I know most kids don’t feel the same way, so I really tried to make it where you may not love math, but you will love coming to my class, more because of the teacher-student connection,” Mansour said. “I knew if they liked the atmosphere I created for them, they would learn and would get a good grade which they had to earn.” Mansour especially loved playing math games to review before tests with her kids which helped make math fun and not daunting.

Mansour had been teaching for a few years when she observed a counselor working with students in her class. “I thought I would like to do that too, so I talked with her and she told me about APU’s educational counseling program,” she said. Mansour visited campus soon after, met with faculty, and quickly enrolled in the program. “I really loved going to APU. It was so different from my experience at a big state school during undergrad,” she said. “The service and accessibility was phenomenal. I wish I had that during undergrad, but I was very glad to have it for grad school.”

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Mansour made many friends in her classes that she’s still in touch with. She enjoyed being in a small cohort where she took classes with the same people and grew closer to them each semester. Mansour loved learning about how to serve students and how to integrate her faith in her job in classes with Michelle Cox, PhD, and Leah Leonard, LMFT.

“I work in a public school, so I can’t always talk about my faith, but if a student brings up their own faith, then of course I’ll discuss it with them,” Mansour said. “I’ve found that middle ground of loving everyone because that’s what Christ calls us to do.”

Although Mansour graduated with her MAEd in Educational Counseling in 2007, she chose to stay in the classroom for another decade because of her love for teaching. However, a couple of years after switching schools from WCHS to BPHS in 2013, she received the opportunity to begin counseling while still teaching, splitting her time in half for both areas. After two years of doing both jobs, a full-time counseling position opened and she left the classroom. As a counselor, Mansour’s day-to-day involves many different responsibilities. “No two days look the same,” she said. “One day I might be doing IEPs (Individual Education Plans) all day. The next day I’ll be doing 504 meetings (plans to meet the needs of students with disabilities), behavioral intervention plans with the counseling team, and presenting in classrooms. And of course I’ll meet with students whenever they request to see me or just come in here to talk because they need help.”

Mansour’s school has a large percentage of first generation students, so she often meets with parents who have questions about how to get their kids into college. She also plans the schedules of the more than 450 students she serves, ensuring they get the right classes to graduate on time. Mansour loves when students decide to go to four-year colleges even though they may have never dreamed that was possible when they began high school.

“My favorite part of my job is watching kids grow from the time they enter as freshmen to their senior year,” she said. “You see them mature physically, growing from scrawny kids into young adults, and socially transform from someone who may struggle socially as a 9^th grader to a flourishing 12^th grader who is ready to take on the world. Watching them cross the graduation stage is incredibly rewarding.”

Mansour runs an intern program for students studying to become educational counselors. Over the past four years, she has had at least four interns from APU each year. Students in the MAEd program must complete 800 hours with a counselor at two different levels. “I love working with APU interns. They’re so great and are very well prepared,” Mansour said. “APU students bring the love of Christianity. They love the kids like they’re their own and they come to serve. That’s very important to me.” Mansour’s interns participate in the same meetings, practice one-on-one counseling with a caseload of students, and help run the school’s wellness center.

In the same way that plants need water, sunlight, and good soil to grow, people need a place to call home in order to cultivate their life. Biology professor Charles Chen, PhD, considers a number of places around the world as his home, offering him a firm foundation to explore his passions, discover his calling, and give others the tools to experience transformation as well.

Born in Taiwan, Chen immigrated to the Midwest with his parents during his childhood. Growing up near Chicago, science always fascinated Chen, as he liked learning how living organisms work and how science helped make sense of nature. He earned a BS in Biophysics at the University of Illinois, where he later received a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Chen then went to Japan in 2008 to conduct post-doctoral research at the Japan International Research Center and again in 2010 for research at The University of Tokyo and the National Institute of Agro-Environmental Sciences (NIAES). His time in Tokyo was a pivotal point in his life, as he met his wife, started a family, and was involved in a church that had a positive impact on his spiritual life.

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Chen has always loved learning about biology. He seeks to use his knowledge to help improve agricultural efficiency. “We can use science to alleviate food shortages and play a part in ensuring food security,” he said. Chen’s post-doctoral research was centered around rice plants. He studied the effects of air pollution on plant physiology through the FACE project (Free Air CO2 Enrichment), investigating how farmers can respond to rising carbon dioxide concentrations and maintain the nutritional value in different rice varieties.

During his time in Tokyo, Chen served with a non-profit Christian organization to help with relief after the devastating 2011 earthquake, followed by a tsunami and nuclear meltdown, what many call the triple disaster. He led the Planning Division at the organization’s headquarters to facilitate survivor support efforts, including long-term emotional support that allowed evacuees to re-engage in the community.

In 2013, Chen returned to the US with his family and began his teaching career at Azusa Pacific University. “APU provided me the unique opportunity to teach students biology in a very hands-on way that brings science to life,” he said, “and the aspect of faith integration allows me to incorporate God’s purpose in what we do.” Some of his fondest memories include traveling with students to Japan every few years in the summer to conduct field studies. Chen appreciates the students’ enthusiasm and spirit of adventure. Recalling a time when one student went on a quest to hunt for giant salamanders, he was contented to find various types of frogs instead.

“It is such a joy to teach and interact with students, especially since so many come from different backgrounds. Every student enriches the classroom and makes it a more vibrant place.”

Reflecting on the multiple transitional stages in his life, Chen looks back at his experiences with gratitude for the ways in which God intervened. “I didn’t know anyone when I went to Japan for the first time, so I had to take a leap of faith, trusting the Lord would provide along the way. He gave me everything I needed, and more than I ever would have expected,” he said. Chen frequently returns to Japan with APU students to engage in collaborative research, and is reminded that home can constitute more than one place. “God’s faithfulness extends all over the world, and it’s refreshing to witness the different ways His goodness shines.”

At APU, Chen hopes that his biology students gain a deeper appreciation for God’s creation.

“God calls us to be stewards of the earth, and by becoming more aware of the environmental challenges we face, students can be equipped to do good in the world through science,” Chen said.

Similar to how the people and opportunities in Chen’s life provided him with the environment to foster growth, he is now blessed with the opportunity at APU to cultivate the desire to do good in his students. Chen’s admiration for diversity, learning, and finding the beauty in nature make him someone students look up to as a role model for environmental stewardship.

Fatima Pulido, ’24, and Jonathon Krohn, ’26, felt called to serve in Ensenada, Mexico, along with 45 other Azusa Pacific University students, across five days over their Thanksgiving break.

Pulido and Krohn had close ties to Ensenada going into the trip because of their families. “Something in my heart had always told me to go on this trip primarily because my parents are from Mexico,” said Pulido, a senior psychology major with minors in honors humanities and sociology. “I knew that I would be an ideal servant, that God would use me to translate and to help others navigate through uncertainty.” Krohn, a sophomore allied health major who is from Peru, had been on many short term global engagement trips with his family. “This was my first time going out on my own and I wanted to choose someplace that was familiar, that I already had ties to the culture.”

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The team of APU students partnered with the nonprofit organization Baja Bound, serving in a variety of areas. This included building a house for a single mother and her young daughter, helping in orphanages, and participating in children’s ministry programs through the organization’s children section, Baja Ed. “Most organizations that go through Baja Bound only do the house building, but APU is pushing for doing more with Baja Ed,” said Krohn. “I was thrilled with the big emphasis Baja Ed put on children’s ministry. If you want to do something working with kids, I highly recommend these Global Engagement trips.” He played games with kids in a migrant camp one day, but the main focus was providing opportunities for the local children. Krohn helped make tamales, candies, and confetti filled egg shells to sell at a parade the next day. The money they raised went towards funding Christmas parties for the children.

While Krohn and his team worked in the migrant camps, Pulido and her team helped out at various orphanages. “One of the orphanages was for individuals with special needs. Most of them were in wheelchairs,” said Pulido. She recalled helping feed the children, caring for a baby with a tube in his stomach, playing sports with the kids, and painting nails with the children. “One of the girls from the orphanage gave me a note, and I carry it with me in my wallet,” said Pulido. “You really do make an impact by simply being present. The experience reminded me that sometimes that’s all God wants us to do.”

Global Engagement trips serve as a way for students to grow in their faith surrounded by a supportive community.

“God showed me that there’s beauty in the little things,” Pulido said. “Even if life is hard there are individuals out there that rely on their faith to keep going. God also reminded me how important it is to tell others how much they’re loved, how much they’re appreciated, and how grateful I am to simply have my daily needs met.”

Similarly, Krohn described how he grew in his faith on the trip through intentionality. “I was taught to be more intentional about decisions and how they impact others. The encouragement to be intentional about starting things kept me going,” he said.

Both Pulido and Krohn shared wisdom with their fellow APU students about the personal impact of Global Engagement trips. “You genuinely don’t know the impact until you experience a Global Engagement trip and how transformative it is within an individual,” said Pulido. “A lot of people see it as really expensive, but what you put in, you will get out of it, and the Office of Service and Discipleship is more than happy to help you figure out how to make it financially feasible.”

Krohn expressed how APU’s Global Engagement opportunities act as a way to bridge the uncertainty of where to start with a plan of action. “A lot of people want to take action with their faith, but they’re afraid to take that first step,” Krohn said. “APU provides an easy, immersive, and impactful way to do that.”

All APU undergraduate students serve 120 hours over the course of four years. There are many opportunities during the school year and the summer to serve both locally and globally. Learn more about global engagement trips here or by emailing globalengagement@apu.edu.

Lucy Boles ’25, Sage Griffing ’25, and Cassia Arnold ’25 felt called to serve in Maui with 16 other Azusa Pacific University students for six days over winter break. The Maui Global Engagement trip aimed to provide for communities impacted by devastating fires that took place just months before the trip. The largest and most destructive was the Lahaina fire that occurred last August.

All three students wanted to help those in need while living out their faith. “My family and I had been to Lahaina a-year-and-a-half ago. When I heard about the fires, it was hard to think of all those people suffering,” said Boles, a psychology and theology double major. Griffing, a kinesiology major, also enjoyed serving on the trip. “I hoped that there was something I could do to help,” he said. “Over time, God led me to make the decision to commit to the trip and guided me through it.” While Boles and Griffing felt connected to the trip through faith and compassion, Arnold, an honors humanities and commercial music double major, felt called to serve since she’s from Maui. “I wanted to help out Maui’s community,” Arnold said. It was really nice to get to know other students from APU too.”

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APU students served in the central Maui area. Residents of the Lahaina area had only recently been given permission to see their houses, so the majority of students were not allowed into the area, with the exception of those like Arnold who live in Hawaii. Students spent most of their time working Christmas related events and doing physical labor jobs.

Boles recounted her experience helping families shop for presents at a Christmas carnival. “Some people worked at a hot chocolate stand or helped at a stand where people could decorate shirts and hats, but I got to work in the toy section,” she said. “I got to greet families and help them shop for their toys and get their gifts wrapped.” One family in particular impacted Boles. She formed a special connection with a nine-year-old girl who was shopping for presents for her older brother. The girl’s parents mentioned that they were going to set up a Christmas tree in the hotel that they were living in. A group of APU students decorated ornaments for the family to put on their tree. Boles is still in contact with the family.

While events like the Christmas carnival involved working with families, a majority of the tasks involved manual labor. The team was tasked with spreading wood chips on loose soil. The fires damaged the soil, and the wind would blow it around, which hindered new plant growth. The wood chips helped keep the soil in place. Griffing said the work the team completed was mentally impactful. “I was going through a lot last semester. Academics were challenging and there was a lot on my plate, but diving into tasks to serve was significant for me,” he said. “I found out that I love service.” Arnold found the trip to be spiritually impactful.

“I had a lot more bottled up than I realized, and this trip helped me to work through everything by being able to help others and get in a clear headspace,” she said.

Arnold was one of three students given special permission to enter Lahaina. The students took pictures of a friend’s property and sorted through what was left. Other jobs that students helped with included staging a house for people to rent, building cubicles for families to talk with organizations in private, moving planter boxes, taking inventory of items in a warehouse, sorting donations, and helping with the tear down of Christmas events.

One of the biggest challenges that the rest of the team faced was not being able to help in Lahaina. “At times I didn’t understand how we were making a difference. On the days where we put trees through a wood chipper or did oddball yard work jobs, it was a little confusing,” Boles said. “However, the team learned that if we were too caught up in what we thought was most helpful, then that would be putting our desires before the needs of others. Supporting the workers that were there long term was what the community needed most, and they were really grateful for it.”

All three students found that interacting with the people of Maui was one of the most inspirational parts of the Global Engagement trip in regards to their faith. “A lot of people in West Maui are still shell shocked and worn out, so it’s good for them to see APU students who are enthusiastic and ready to help,” Arnold said. “It was nice to work with people in the community in a caring way that supported each other both locally and in the church.” Griffing was inspired by a man named Ted. “He was an old guy, but the way he carried himself, his powerful testimony, and the way he loves people regardless of who you are or if you know him was impactful,” he said. “He truly gave himself in every encounter he had. He taught me what a heart of giving can look like. It’s not about looking for something in return, but rather serving unconditionally out of pure love.”

Few enter college with a firm grasp of their calling, but for Sid Varland ’25, being able to hone his skills as a track and field athlete and a cinematic arts major made him certain that Azusa Pacific University was where he is meant to be. His ambition, optimism, and love for others radiates in every one of his projects and adventures.

Born in Kenya, Varland was adopted by Norwegian-American parents, and moved to Michigan at four-years-old. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he would travel back and forth between the two countries. He lived down the edge of the Great Rift Valley, about an hour from city life in Kenya. Living in the Sub-Saharan region of East Africa, Varland cherishes the explorations he went on, including hopping trains, visiting waterfalls, hiking near volcanoes, roaming plains, and seeing Hell’s Gate National Park. “I went to an international school in Kenya, and through that I met people who thought differently than me, shared their ideas, and opened my mind about diversity,” he said. “What I love about Kenya is that the culture not only welcomes outsiders, but is genuinely excited to share what they love, like food and dances, with people.”

Varland’s passion for capturing moments on film started when he was six-years-old, receiving his first camera. Inspired by Steven Spielberg films, especially “Indiana Jones,” Varland enjoyed shooting his adventures while traveling. His passion for cinematography grew rapidly. By the time he entered APU in Fall 2021, he had already started two production companies of his own, called Scopeverse productions and 25Medium, gaining experience networking and fulfilling roles as a creative director, editor, producer, and videographer. Beyond the impressive resume and skills Varland acquired at a young age, his joyful demeanor, enthusiasm to create, and uplifting personality have led him to make many friends at APU.

In addition to his passion for cinema, Varland grew up playing sports. While he’s played basketball, soccer, rugby, tennis, and did gymnastics, his interest in track and field led him to join APU’s renowned team. “My goal is to be a light. While I am competitive, I aspire to be someone you can tell is having fun on the team, smiling, and having a good time,” he said.

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Prior to coming to APU, Varland had already developed adaptability and a sense of curiosity when entering a new place. Reflecting on his time here, he recognized the community that supports and elevates one another as students navigate the transition into adulthood. “My professors especially have encouraged me to pursue my dreams,” he said. “I appreciate the stories they tell about their experience in the film industry, and the ways they build my confidence.” Varland also appreciates the student bonds he’s made over the years. Having met students across various majors, Varland enjoys how everyone humbly motivates each other.

“We’re all at a stage where we’re wondering if our goals will work out someday, and that makes our friendships even stronger.”

Varland seeks to fully implement trust in God on a daily basis, but acknowledges how difficult it can be. “Looking back at my 16-year-old self, I now see what God was doing, but I didn’t see it then,” he said, “so I do my best to trust that even when things feel unexplainable now, God is working and moving in ways I might not recognize.”

When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Varland said, “Don’t take yourself too seriously, and don’t care what others think.” He shared that while there were points he felt comfortable in his own skin, he wrestled with the awareness that some were critical of the passions he poured himself into.

“People who say things to tear you down most likely don’t have it all together, so it’s easier to navigate trying new things without caring what people think.”

Varland continues to step out of his comfort zone, as he’s learned that surrounding himself with different people and circumstances help him grow intellectually. His dedication to spreading joy, following his dreams, and expressing his love for family and culture make him an inspiration to all who meet him.

Alyssa Hetschel ’13 discovered her passion for social work during her time at Azusa Pacific University which has allowed her to serve through her management and leadership skills. “Service is the name of the game for social work. I’m constantly serving my clients and community,” Hetschel said. “It’s embedded in me. Service is what appealed to me about APU.” She believes that social work is “very human work” that requires a passion for service and constant discipleship through mentorship.

Hetschel followed in her older sister’s footsteps by attending APU. “While it was not my first choice, it fits into the grand story of how I found my passion for social work,” Hetschel said. “I wouldn’t have found my calling if not for APU.” In addition to hearing about her sister’s time here, Hetschel chose APU after a great experience at an overnight event on campus. She recalled that the students she met during the event all seemed fun, exciting, and that they genuinely loved APU. Having grown up about an hour away, “APU still felt close to home but far enough away for me to have independence,” Hetschel said. The small class sizes were also very appealing, an aspect that made a big difference in her college experience.

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Hetschel grew up in a Christian family that was heavily involved in Campus Crusade for Christ, now known as CRU, an organization focused on building Christian communities on college campuses. Her family’s emphasis on helping others translated into their jobs. “My sister is a nurse; my mom is a therapist; my dad is a chaplain; and my brother roasts coffee which helps others stay energized,” she said. “I saw my parents providing for and helping others, and it felt like second nature to me.” Hetschel entered APU as a psychology major, but decided to attend an information session on various majors in Fall 2009. Mary Rawlings, PhD, LCSW, a current professor in the Master of Social Work program, was the lecturer at the information session. “Everything she said appealed to me about how social work is an integration of psychology, sociology, and social justice,” Hetschel said. Her existing passion for all of those fields combined with the dedication that Rawlings exuded in her stories led Hetschel to switch majors.

APU’s social work program appeals to students like Hetschel because of its advanced standing. The program’s accreditation allows students to continue their education by completing just one year of graduate school rather than two to earn their master’s degree. The one year graduate school option is only featured at APU and a small number of other institutions with accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs.

Hetschel’s experience in the social work program was heavily influenced by the close knit support system that the smaller program provided. “I cannot talk enough about how amazing my professors were,” she said. “All of the professors were incredibly knowledgeable and actively practiced social work. Learning from their experiences provided me with support.” She recalled that all of her professors were always available and encouraging which created a close community.

“My professors and cohort gave me a great experiential education which prepared me for the best possible entry into the field,” she said.

Hetschel still keeps in touch with her core group of friends from APU. Due to the small class sizes in the program, Hetschel and her peers were almost always in the same courses which led to the development of a great bond between them. Other forms of support came from Diana Glyer, PhD, whom Hetschel was a teacher’s assistant and nanny for. Glyer provided her with emotional and educational support. Similarly, Hetschel said that Barbara Johnson, MSW, LCSW, gave her some of the best advice when it came to navigating graduate school and the social work field. Hetschel’s Alpha Group and time studying abroad in Lithuania were integral experiences during her time at APU.

After graduating from APU, Hetschel matriculated to the University of Denver where she received her Masters in Social Work. She stayed in Colorado where she obtained her LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and LAC (Licensed Addictions Counselor) clinical license and became a licensed addictions counselor. Hetschel has served her community in the clinical social work realm since finishing graduate school in 2014. She’s been a therapist in a county jail, worked with case management to help inmates enter back into society, became a manager at a halfway house in a residential treatment program, served as an adjunct professor at the University of Denver since 2018, and was most recently an executive director of a behavioral health non-profit organization in the criminal justice system until 2023. Hetschel has found herself in a number of leadership roles. “That’s where my passion is,” she said. “Leadership positions allow me to challenge systems and have a role in shaping policies.”

In June 2023, Hetschel needed a change. She applied for a behavioral health director position at the University of Colorado. Hetschel now works for Sheridan Health Services, a federally qualified health center, which allows her and her team of licensed therapists to help in health disparity areas where predominantly Spanish speaking individuals that either can’t afford or can’t receive healthcare because of their citizenship status can get the medical, denatal, behavioral health, and pharmacy services they need. She also runs a behavioral health service and has clients that she conducts individual therapy sessions with. Hetschel enjoys having a small caseload of individual therapy patients that allows her to stay connected to the patient population at a micro level.

Bobbi Alba, EdD, encourages her students to go out into the world to be lighthouses, guiding others to safety. Throughout her own career as an elementary and middle school teacher, counselor, and professor, Alba’s light has shined brightly. Her commitment to unconditional love illuminates in all she does.

Born in Oakland, Calif., Alba’s family moved to Minneapolis, where she grew up. They moved back to California when Alba was 15-years-old and she has resided in Long Beach ever since. Her heart and passion for teaching developed at a young age, as she always felt at home in school, considering teaching her spiritual gift. After earning a Bachelors in Speech Communication at Cal State Los Angeles, Alba spent a decade working in various teaching and counseling positions in K-12 schools. “I worked in many low income schools, which was challenging and strengthening at the same time. I had to lean on my faith while working with students who experienced plights on a daily basis,” she said.

In July 2010, Alba heard about Azusa Pacific University through a Dead Sea Scroll exhibit offered on campus. She visited the university on a scorching hot day, missing the coastal breeze. While sipping a lemonade to cool down, Alba recalls asking God if, despite the heat, she could work at a place as inviting as APU. Alba placed her contact information in an infobox, and received APU merch to share with her high school students. Alba hung an APU pennant on the wall in her counseling office, and prayed for God to lead her here. She earned a EdD in Educational Leadership in 2014 from Cal State Long Beach, and started teaching at APU in 2016.

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Alba teaches graduate courses in the Department of School Counseling and School Psychology. “I love APU students, and the fact that I can pour my faith into them to become real difference makers makes my job worthwhile,” she said. Inspired by psychologist Carl Rogers’ motto to approach others with unconditional positive regard, Alba motivates her students to employ a mindset of unconditional love wherever they go. “If I can help students understand their soul’s worth, they can go out and help young souls in K-12 know their value too. Being a counselor is the most noble profession to me, and I’m blessed to help nurture students as they enter the field.”

During some personal and professional challenges in her life, Alba experienced a period of grief. As she struggled to find balance between pouring into others’ lives and taking care of her own, journaling became a self-care technique that led her to write a book, Seven Boxes: An Inspirational Memoir Celebrating the Strength to Move On. “I had my grad students in mind while writing, and they have always been my intended audience. I strived to share what I wish I would have heard while navigating loss,” she said. “Faith got me through it all.”

When asked which class is her favorite to teach, Alba had trouble deciding, exclaiming how much she loves them all. Her leadership and ethics class, however, has a special place in her heart because of how rewarding it is to watch students confidently bring their skills to life. Before students graduate and enter the work world, Alba plays the song “Speak Life” by TobyMac to encourage these new school counselors to be a source of light and hope for the childrens’ lives they will touch. “I remind my students to be lighthouses, because their light can truly save lives.”

Reflecting on the impact of education in her life as a student, teacher, and counselor, Alba is grateful to have been able to dedicate her life to what she loves. “I think of life like a story, and even though there have been challenging chapters, there have been many beautiful ones too. I’m blessed to be with students in this chapter of their lives,” she said. “In the end it’s God’s story.”

Grace Arrington ’26 exudes a passion for legacy. As the daughter of an Azusa Pacific University alumnus, Arrington strives to pave her own path through her college experience, embrace her Chinese heritage, and continue to grow in her faith.

Arrington’s father, Christopher, served in the Army for 26 years and earned his MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at APU in 2010. He and his wife, who was also in the army for four years, adopted Arrington when she was 12 months old from Jiangxi, China, a few years before retiring and moving to Beijing. Growing up, Arrington spoke both Mandarin and English, gaining exposure to various walks of life, as her family would visit relatives in the U.S. during the summer. Traveling with her two siblings and exploring different parts of the world offered Arrington a broad perspective of others. She cherishes her Chinese heritage as a vital part of who she is. Her mom, Aminta, wrote a book about their journey across cultures, called Home is a Roof Over a Pig.

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Living in Beijing and Tai’an, Arrington developed a love for traditions, such as celebrating Chinese New Year, and savoring the unique spices and flavors that make up her favorite foods. She also garnered an understanding of the values that embody Chinese culture. “People in China are very decisive and have plans for what they’re doing and where they want to go,” she said.

When deciding where to attend college, Arrington sought a diverse community where she could express her Asian culture and cultivate friendships with others who felt the same way. Scholarships from APU, along with the university’s friendly and inviting environment led her to follow in her father’s footsteps. Arrington is studying communication management. She enjoys learning a wide range of skills that are applicable in many career paths. Her dream is to become a flight attendant in order to see more of the world. She trusts that God will lead her where she is meant to be.

Arrington’s time at APU has been full of pivotal moments for her growth, especially as a Christian.

“I’ve learned that you should express yourself no matter where you are, and the people who accept you are meant to be in your life.”

Connecting with international students in the Third Culture Kids club (TCK) has offered her a community of individuals who share similar experiences and uplift each others’ stories. Participating in events, such as APU’s annual lu’au, have drawn Arrington closer to the people who enjoy learning about other cultures as much as she does.

Last spring, Arrington was baptized after a Thursday night chapel. Her faith has increased through prayer and community, as she has worked on her spiritual life with those who also seek to learn more about their relationship with Christ. She is going on a Global Engagement trip this summer to serve in children’s ministry in South Korea to continue pursuing God’s calling for her life.

Between staying connected to her family and friends in China and around the globe, cultivating new friendships at APU, and anticipating all the joy and opportunities to come in the future through her studies and goals, Arrington embodies what it means to build a legacy. She celebrates her family’s positive impact in her life, honors her Chinese culture, and is grounded in God’s plan for her life to lead her wherever her heart will shine.