10 Pieces of Advice From Recent APU Graduates to Incoming Students

As the semester begins, many of us feel a wave of emotions, filled with excitement and anticipation for what the next few months hold. Especially for freshmen, this new chapter in life can seem exhilarating while at the same time challenging. 

Last spring, more than 1,100 students graduated from Azusa Pacific University, embarking on new adventures in the professional world and/or pursuing graduate school. As they reflect on their collegiate journeys, we asked them to share advice with incoming freshmen:

  1. “Never stop setting goals for yourself and sticking with a plan. Trust that things will work out, even when it feels like you are not where you want to be in life. Appreciate the small, seemingly insignificant moments and take in the fresh air from driving with the windows down during the many commutes to school ahead. Most importantly, take time to really appreciate the countless blessings and experiences in your life. You get to write and define your own story and your time at APU is only one chapter of an ongoing, continuously evolving journey that is unique to you.” – McCall Zeutzius ’24, political science major and honors humanities minor
  2. “Be involved! Join clubs, organize study groups, talk to new people, and expand your circle. Creating a community of your own will help you balance your time and enrich your college experience. Don’t forget about your professors. They are not only great resources for your professional life, but many will grow to become great friends as well.”- Roxy Karimi ’24, sociology and honors humanities major, English minor
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  1. “My advice is a list of yeses: Say yes to being a part of a global engagement team. Say yes to joining a club. Say yes to the late night trip to the Donut Man. Say yes to the game of volleyball until the lights go out. Say yes to the study session in the library that may involve more conversation than studying. Say yes to going on a  date with someone who might become your spouse. Say yes to the opportunities to impact others and to discover new aspects of yourself. College is such a formative season where you will truly begin to know who you are and the ways God created you specifically and intentionally. Let it unfold in a fun way and don’t let the worries of the future or what people think make you shy away from the fullness of joy the Lord wants you to have in these years at APU!”- Sarah Potts ’24, Christian ministries major
  2. “One piece of advice I would give my younger self is don’t feel the need to overcompensate. I would say do your best to be involved in your community, and your school work, but don’t over do it. Everything requires balance, so make sure you excel in your classes, but also make time for the things that you enjoy.”- Emily Guerrero ’24, journalism major
  3. “If I could go back and give myself some advice, it would go something like this: Congratulations! This is a moment you have been working towards for most of your life. Take a deep breath, because the next four years will fly by faster than you can imagine. You are about to forge friendships that will last a lifetime. Yes, there will always be a project, quiz, or major exam on the horizon, but make the most of your time here—you only get these four years once. Be kind and patient with  yourself ; you are stepping into uncharted territory. Embrace the journey!”- Zuleika Franco ’24, biology major
  4. “If I had to give advice to my younger self about college, I would say to give myself grace. Whether it’s socially or academically, understand that college is a brand new experience that comes with its own set of ups and downs. Just because you don’t do as well as you’d hoped on an assignment, doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. You are new to the college lifestyle, so understand that you might not have everything figured out at first. Adjusting comes with time but once you get it, I promise you will make some of the greatest memories and have some of the greatest experiences of your life.”- Tyler Jones ’24, communication management major

Academic Feature: On-Campus Jobs Offer Students Flexible and Enriching Work

College students’ schedules are often filled to the brim with classes, sports, clubs, and a variety of activities that make undergraduate years memorable. Many of us need a source of income though, which can feel overwhelming if you need to commute to a job without flexible hours while being a student. Thankfully, there are a number of on-campus jobs that any student can apply for at Azusa Pacific University. As someone who has had four jobs at APU over the course of my college career, I can attest to the fact that working on campus is one of the most fun and fulfilling things you can do in college. 

The most efficient way to search and apply for on-campus jobs is through Handshake. Simply log in with your APU credentials and select “jobs.” Filter your preferences to find the position that suits you best. Be prepared to share your resumé and, for some jobs, a cover letter. All on-campus jobs also require students to fill out an on-campus employment application, which can be found under resources in the career center tab on Handshake. 

Many roles enhance the skills students learn in their major. Ricky Lopez ’25 is studying cinematic arts and has worked in Media Production since his freshman year. “As a cinema major, one of the biggest tasks that comes into play involves creating a compelling story, while working as a team to bring that story to life with the resources we have,” he said. “Working for Media Production at APU has been such a thrill in gaining hands-on experience by learning how to operate cameras, direct shows live, edit footage afterwards, and collaborate with my colleagues in the field and in the control room. The bonds and memories I made with my team have been so amazing and enriching at every chapel, sporting event, conference, and more!”

On-campus jobs include, but are not limited to, working in the 1899 Dining Hall, coffee shops, libraries, university offices, department specific leadership positions, Mail Services, Campus Safety, Facilities Management, and Information Technology. These are great opportunities to try something new, form friendships, and learn more about your skills and passions. 

While searching for jobs through Handshake can offer you a wide range of options to look through, I would also advise students to make connections in person. Don’t be afraid to share with peers and professors that you’re searching for an on-campus job, because they might know about an opening you would be a great fit for. 

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The benefits of working on campus are endless. My supervisors have always been open and understanding whenever I’ve needed to move my schedule around because of class obligations and school-related events. It’s incredibly convenient to walk to work after class without worrying about traffic or arriving late to a shift. Another highlight of working on campus is that you get to build relationships with fellow student workers, faculty, and staff. I met some of my best friends while working as a writing coach at the Writing Center, and I always looked forward to my shift, knowing I would make fun memories with my co-workers. 

On-campus jobs also provide mentorship opportunities to learn from professionals. During my sophomore year, I was a teacher’s assistant in the Honors College. It was a great experience to witness how much work our professors put into their careers, as I gained a glimpse behind the scenes of all the planning, preparation, and grading professors do regularly. 

Faculty Feature: Cynthia Dollins, EdD, Advocates for Literacy Through Her Life-long Love of Stories

Ever since she fell in love with reading as a child, Cynthia Dollins, EdD has cultivated a life-long pursuit toward literacy studies with the aim of increasing every student’s access to books. Dollins, who has earned multiple degrees in education, has devoted her career to transforming lives through literature. At Azusa Pacific University, she equips graduate students with the tools to spread God’s love by appreciating the voices of those who share their stories.

Originally from Alhambra, Calif., Dollins spent a majority of her childhood getting lost in books she read from the library. “My mom instilled an appreciation for reading, so early on I felt called to help people discover the power of words,” she said. “Everyone deserves to witness the beauty of what words can do. Books open the mind to a world of new perspectives.” 

Dollins began teaching elementary school after earning a BA in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly Pomona. “I immediately loved my students, and even though I thought I was finished with my own education, God led me to keep learning more in order to provide the most I possibly could to each student,” she said. Dollins earned three teaching credentials, an MA in Education, and an MS in Educational Administration. While she was the principal of an elementary school, Dollins’ superintendent asked when she would be getting her doctorate. “I guess now,” Dollins said. She went to Pepperdine for an EdD in Leadership, Administration, and Policy. 

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Dollins is driven to advocate for literacy in all her endeavors. She fondly looks back on her days as a principal when she initiated “literacy nights” for students and parents to get together and engage in reading and writing in different languages to uplift multiculturalism. Her passion for expanding students’ possibilities led Dollins to write a book, The ABC’s of Literacy: Preparing Our Children for Lifelong Learning. As a guide for parents and early childhood educators, Dollins’ book covers the best methods for selecting books that are enjoyable and enriching for children. 

In 2019, Dollins applied for an adjunct professor position at APU, seeking a role that would allow her to embrace her faith through her vocation, and was offered a full time role. “God truly called me to APU, and I listened attentively. I’m grateful I can incorporate faith in my profession, showing students how they can do the same thing,” she said. Dollins teaches graduate students in the School of Education, instructing courses in curriculum development, classroom management, and philosophy of education. She emphasizes the importance of modeling Christian principles through one’s actions. “If we select the right books to read with children, even secular stories can reveal Christ-like character. Most importantly, we share God’s love by showing it in who we are.”

When asked what she hopes students carry throughout their careers, Dollins expressed the vitality of developing strong connections. “Jesus was the best teacher, and he connected with the people he taught. So I hope educators build strong relationships with the students who enter their classrooms,” Dollins said. She encourages students to embody Christian practices by illustrating love, care, and concern to every student they meet. “One big way educators can share love is by learning their students’ stories and sharing their own. We must understand people in order to love them well.”

Dollins’ God-given love for storytelling has taken her across many journeys throughout her career, all rooted in sharing the power of words with students. While Dollins has been impacted by many stories across time and place, her own story of advocating for literacy in schools has touched the lives of countless students. By answering God’s call, Dollins models what it means to be a difference maker.

Staff Saturday: Brooke Lincoln Equips APU’s Women’s Soccer Team to Pursue Excellence

As the women on Azusa Pacific University soccer team race across the field, dirt gathering around their knee high socks while they envision scoring goals in their next match, Brooke Lincoln, their head coach, keeps a watchful eye on their moves. But she doesn’t just observe how well they run with the ball or work as a team. Rather, Lincoln’s commitment to honing the players’ skills is rooted in her devotion to glorify God in all of her actions. As an excellent role model, many of the women she leads follow suit, cultivating a team that is united in uplifting one another, and above all, Christ.

Originally from Byram, a small town near Jackson, Miss., Lincoln never thought she would someday live in the hustle and bustle of Southern California. She started playing soccer at 10-years-old. After playing on her high school’s team, and one year in college, Lincoln realized she might see a future in coaching the sport. As soon as she started coaching youth recreational teams, Lincoln fell in love with it, however, she didn’t see coaching becoming her profession. Lincoln studied elementary education at Mississippi College, hoping to pursue foreign missions.

Looking back on her journey from the South to the West Coast, Lincoln is amazed at how God orchestrated her vocation. “I stopped by a snow cone stand toward the end of my last semester of college, and the girl serving had a soccer club shirt on, which sparked a conversation. I found out her high school, my alma mater, needed a soccer coach,” she said. At 22-years-old, Lincoln’s first day coaching the high school team was a lightbulb moment. She knew exactly what she was meant to do. 

For a few years, Lincoln taught at the high school while coaching, but she always enjoyed the soccer season more than teaching. “Life is too short to be waiting for three o’clock to roll around,” she said, expressing her realization to pursue full-time coaching. She still wanted to fulfill the desire to go overseas, however, so after resigning from her teaching job, Lincoln participated in Youth With A Mission, an organization that allowed her to live abroad for a year. She spent a few months in Belize and Honduras working in discipleship programs. Then she lived in Vancouver, Canada, working for the organization Athletes in Action and Trinity Western University. She was a volunteer coach for the university’s highly competitive team.

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“That’s where I saw my passions come together. I witnessed what it looked like to follow Jesus and compete at a high level with Christ at the center of it all.”

Although Lincoln enjoyed her time in Canada, she returned home to Mississippi and found a job as the graduate assistant coach at Belhaven University, where she earned her Masters in Sports Administration. “When you’re walking with Jesus, there’s a peace that surpasses all understanding,” she said. Lincoln found this peace at Asbury University in Kentucky when she landed her first college head coaching job. 

Even though Lincoln found immense joy in coaching at Asbury, she felt like she couldn’t take their program much further with the resources available. She flew to SoCal and interviewed for a job at Point Loma. She was briefly disappointed when they didn’t offer her the job, but she held onto the peace she knew God would offer wherever He led. Two weeks later she got a call from APU.

In 2018, Lincoln made the biggest move of her life. Inspired by Moses’ story in Exodus, Lincoln believes God gave her the tools to follow Him even when she felt unprepared. “God ended up moving a small town girl to Los Angeles, where all my neighbors are from different countries, I get to lead a diverse team, and coaching soccer is my full-time ministry,” she said. For the past six years, Lincoln has embraced her calling at APU as the head coach of the women’s soccer team. “My job is to make the field a safe place for players to come as they are and explore their faith.” 

Reflecting on the team’s memories that have stuck with her, Lincoln shared what she calls “Go God” moments, which are times that can only be explained as the Lord’s powerful intervention. Lincoln especially loves watching seasoned players mentor newer ones. One of her favorite moments was witnessing senior and junior teammates baptize a freshman last spring. Lincoln hopes to continue developing a space where the team encourages each other on and off the field.

“Sports are where life skills happen. I get to see players at their highest and lowest moments, so my hope is that I can continue to share Jesus’ joy by walking alongside them through their journey on the team.”

Academic Feature: APU Theater Arts Program Studies Abroad in the UK

Four cities. Three weeks. Two enthusiastic faculty members. One unforgettable adventure.

During the summer, APU’s acclaimed Theater Arts program gave 20 students the opportunity to study abroad in some of the most renowned, historical theater sites in the United Kingdom. Led by professors Jill Brennan-Lincoln, MA, Kirsten Lundin Humer, MFA, and Sabrina Valenzuela (communications coordinator) students not only traveled to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Tower of London, the National Portrait Gallery, the Oxford Playhouse, and Edinburgh Castle, but they also participated in Shakespeare classes, performances at the Oxford Playhouse, and watched a live previews of shows at Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The trip began with five nights in London. “Engaging in a different culture and witnessing so much theatrical history was critical to making this experience as transformative as possible,” Humer said. She noticed an improvement in the students’ acting after seeing shows on London’s West End and learning about the differences in theatrical performance during Shakespeare’s time. 

One of the most fun and enriching experiences was when students partook in a special project for the National Portrait Gallery. Students chose a portrait to write a backstory about, which they performed at the Oxford Playhouse. Students studied Shakespeare during a stay at  Wadham College every morning, strengthening their acting skills and developing bonds with each other.

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For three days, students enjoyed the enchanting town of Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. They watched Pericles, Prince of Tyre at the Royal Shakespeare Company and engaged in interactive activities that transported them back in time to the 16th century.

Students especially loved their time in Edinburgh, Scotland, where they explored historical sites dating back to the 11th century. From St. Giles Cathedral, to underground vaults, students immersed themselves in an era unlike any other. 

The experience that might have held the most meaning, however, was getting to watch a preview of a show called Polishing Shakespeare at the Fringe Festival, where students got to participate in a talk back. APU students were among the first to see and review the show, as well as ask the cast and crew questions after the performance. “As faculty, we were immensely proud to witness the talent, intelligence and eloquence of our students as artists,” Lincoln said. She remarked on the vibrant engagement of the students during the performance. Lincoln observed their enthusiastic interaction with the actors during productions. “Our students exhibit such profound confidence in their faith and their identities that they are able to give generously and openly. Their faith is evident in their certainty of God’s love for them, and they reciprocate that love by sharing it so generously with others.”

Lincoln and Humer were immensely happy to connect with students on a deeper level.  

Gaining exposure to theater productions in a different culture allowed students to picture multiple possibilities for their futures as actors. “Studying abroad throughout the U.K. helped me visualize what’s possible for my career. The highlights for me were watching professional shows on the West End in London with actors who are globally famous and awarded for their incredible work,” Lazor Lanson ’27 said. “Seeing those actors live rather than through a screen makes a huge difference. It inspired me to keep honing in on my skills so I can do the same someday. Our professors’ guidance alongside the experience was exponential.”

For many students, their spark for acting was rekindled. “Before this trip, I found myself losing the joy of my craft, and felt trapped in a false sense of needing to be perfect,” Sarah Fountain ’26 said. “The actors in Much Ado About Nothing at the Globe Theatre performed from the heart, following direct impulses without fear. Shakespeare empowers his female protagonists, and in a way, I have returned from this trip stronger.”

Overall, traveling to such a rich culture provided students and faculty with an irreplaceable experience to learn more about what they love. “A huge benefit of going to APU is having opportunities like this to study abroad. We’re excited for the future and giving this same experience to more students throughout the years,” Humer said.

If you’re interested in donating to allow future students to have the trip of a lifetime, here is APU’s giving page where you can designate your gift to the Department of Theater Arts. 

Faculty Feature: A Calling With a Definite Purpose: Rachel Castaneda, PhD, Teaches Students to Love Like Jesus

Many professionals spend their career climbing the corporate ladder. They earn multiple degrees in order to make an impact in their field of study. They build rigorous programs, and make connections with fellow academics. Some earn grants and become renowned for their scholarly contributions. Doing so can be a beautiful way to live one’s life, truly making a difference in the world. Rachel Castaneda, PhD, has done all those things and more, yet you wouldn’t know when meeting her for the first time. You wouldn’t know those things if you sat next to her in church on a Sunday or joined in her Young Life ministry. She makes her passion for helping others known, but she won’t tell you she currently has 10 grants for various areas of research and training in community health developments unless you ask her about it. Castaneda doesn’t just talk about service, she embeds it in every one of her actions as a psychology professor at Azusa Pacific University.

Originally from El Monte, Calif., Castaneda first developed an interest in psychology when witnessing her parents’ health struggles. Her childhood was marked by many difficult seasons as her mother and father wrestled with challenges from their own upbringing. “I grew up in a very devout home. My parents were Catholic, so church was always a large part of our weekly routine,” she said. 

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Castaneda started personalizing and deepening her faith while studying psychology at UCLA as an undergraduate. Her best friend introduced Castaneda to a women’s bible study. “I was embarrassed because I had never had my own Bible before, but she gave me one that I still have,” she said. Castaneda pulled the beautiful, worn book from her purse. Flipping through it, almost every page is annotated. 

As Castaneda’s faith grew, her ambition to serve those greatly affected by community health issues increased as well. She went on to earn a Masters in Public Health at UCLA in Community Health Sciences.  Later she completed a PhD in Community Health Sciences in Public Health at UCLA. Castaneda has always continued learning for the sake of fulfilling God’s calling for her vocation. “It’s easy to get discouraged knowing I can’t solve addiction in the whole world, but Jesus describes His kingdom as a mustard seed,” she said. “God is at work in all things, so if we’re obedient, our actions will permeate.”

Before coming to APU, Castaneda was an associate research psychologist at UCLA. She had just earned a multi-million dollar grant when some life changes brought her to APU, which were reinforced by prayer.

Staff Saturday: Matthew Browning MA ’94, EdD Lives Out His Calling Through Developing Student Engagement as the Director of Commuter Life

To Matthew Browning, MA ’94, EdD, living out his calling is more than talking about the Lord’s goodness; rather, his actions through cultivating a love for service and leadership in young adults is at the core of his purpose. Whether students know him through his role as the director of Commuter Life, or as Student Government Association advisor, Browning has established a legacy at Azusa Pacific University that glorifies God.

Born in Santa Ana, Calif., Browning and his family moved to Hawaii early in his childhood. He loved spending time close to the ocean. Before entering high school, Browning’s family moved to Arizona. In 1985, he decided to come to California to study religion and behavioral sciences at California Baptist University. 

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Browning matriculated at APU for a Master’s in College Counseling and Student Development. His first position at the university was as the financial aid director, but his goal was always to work in student affairs in order to create opportunities for students to build community and learn to share God’s love out in the world. His hopes came to fruition when he was offered the role as associate dean of students. Browning found fulfillment developing activities for students and organizing Welcome Weekend.  

To continue expanding his skillset, Browning went to Pepperdine to earn a doctorate in education. He left APU for a short period of time to work at the English Language Institute as a vice president, delegating teachers to China. Former APU president Jon Wallace invited Browning to return with the intent of building international programs. “I’ve always been passionate about making sure we understand our responsibility as Christ’s followers, which includes spreading the Gospel around the globe,” Browning said. In 2006, as the associate vice president for internationalization, Browning played an integral role in creating the Center for Student Action (now the Office of Service and Discipleship). Browning helped set up multiple study-away programs, as well as Outreach programs in Mexico.

Now serving as the director of Commuter Life, Browning is enthusiastic about implementing a space that uplifts commuters and reminds them that they belong at APU. “My goal is to increase community for commuter students, so that they are included in consistent opportunities to build connections with others,” he said. By leading the Commuter Life staff in the Cougar Dome, the hub that contains resources and activities tailored to commuters, Browning has developed engaging events such as ping pong tournaments and video game afternoons. 

Everything Browning has done and continues to contribute to APU is rooted in his passion for guiding students through some of the most influential years of their lives in college. “I hope to find a balance of challenging and supporting students at the same time so we can encourage them to think and dream big,” he said. Browning feels blessed to be immersed in a community that puts God first. “It’s as simple as loving your neighbor, caring for people, watching out for those in need, and celebrating diversity.”

When Browning is not at APU, he’s most likely cruising around on his motorcycle or spending time with his daughters and grandchildren. 

Whether Browning is planning a commuter life event, enjoying fellowship with students, or having a theological conversation with colleagues, he is dedicated to fulfilling his calling through his involvement in higher education. He is excited for what the future holds as he continues to plant the seeds that allow students to grow and flourish.

Malia Acosta ’25 Values Joy and Connection On Uganda Kinesiology Trip

Azusa Pacific University’s Office of Service and Discipleship offers many opportunities for students to express their passion for service through Global Engagement trips. For a month over the summer, the Department of Kinesiology encouraged their students to serve the Lord while gaining practical experience in their field of study on a Global Engagement trip to Uganda.

After previous positive experiences with Global Engagement trips, kinesiology major Malia Acosta ’25 decided to use this opportunity to use the gifts she’s cultivated through her studies to help others. “My family does a lot of service trips, so I’ve always found it valuable to connect with people with different cultures and experiences,” Acosta said. “When I went to Panama with other APU students last year, I’d never experienced a culture like that and wanted to expand my experiences even more. When I heard about the kinesiology trip, I knew I could use what I’m passionate about in a different part of the world.” 

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During the trip, students were split into two teams. Some days the teams went to a private Christian school to teach physical education to kids of all grades from preschool to high school. APU students focused on teaching the children fundamental skills such as throwing, catching, and running. “We also aimed to pour into them spiritually, sharing God’s love and kindness,” Acosta said. 

Other days were spent working with their host, Kabale Christian Care. APU students traveled to different villages to help those who needed physical treatment. Some patients needed medicine, while others needed exercise routines to help with their pain and limited mobility. Acosta said working at the clinics provided different challenges than working at the school. “The children were still growing and learning, but we were working with adults who have never been able to move certain ways and are limited in what they can do physically.”

Acosta said that her anatomy and kinesiology classes prepared her for the fundamental aspects of the trip.They also prepared the team to effectively identify the patients’ limiting factors and whether they needed exercises that strengthened or stretched their muscles. “It’s amazing to see what we’ve been learning applied to real life situations and see progress in our patients.” Watching this progress made the challenging task of communicating with a language barrier more rewarding. “Teaching basic movements and remedies was challenging when we couldn’t easily get across what we needed to explain. We learned to use many techniques to help patients understand us.” 

Part of the team’s successful Global Engagement trip came from them learning to work together to help others. The APU students combined their knowledge and skills to help patients at the clinic. “On the clinical outreach days, patients would come from all over to receive help,” she said. “Our job was to program exercises for each individual. It was such a cool experience to problem solve with the team because that’s what we do in our major all the time, but we got to put it into practice outside of the classroom. Processing with each other and seeing what the kinesiology program could look like if we collaborated more was one of my favorite memories from the trip.” 

While Acosta knew a few of her teammates going into the trip, there were others who she didn’t have previous connections with. Before leaving for Uganda, the whole team met once a week to bond and pray over their trip.

Faculty Feature: LaShan Epperson, DBA, Demonstrates Perseverance and Integrity

LaShan Epperson, DBA, has always been committed to two things: collaboration and personal growth. As a child she knew she loved working with others to accomplish a shared goal. After working in human resources for nearly two decades, Epperson developed a passion for ensuring the betterment of employees. As a business professor at Azusa Pacific University, Epperson shows what it means to embody respect and empowerment.

Originally from Central Los Angeles, Epperson was the first in her family to attend college. She was a commuter student at Cal State Fullerton for three years, but struggled to complete her degree, and decided to enter the workforce instead. Epperson managed a bank branch for many years. When she wanted to move up the corporate ladder, however, she knew she needed to complete her college degree. “I decided I would never be denied an opportunity to do something I know I’m capable of because I didn’t have a degree,” she said. 

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Reinvigorated, Epperson went on to earn a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from University of Redlands. After beginning to work in human resources, Epperson deepened her love for connecting with others and caring for their wellbeing. She started envisioning becoming a professor in order to equip the next generation to be strong, ethical leaders. With a new goal in mind, Epperson went on to earn a Master’s in Business Administration. She developed a rhythm of working at Apple as a business expert by day, and teaching at ITT Technical Institute by night. 

But Epperson always strove for more. One day while selling an iPad, she met a professor who taught at Cal Baptist University. He shared that he was starting a DBA program, which inspired Epperson to continue furthering her education. She started the journey of earning a doctorate as the pandemic began. Two years later she finished the core work. Despite how many people thought it would be impossible to complete and defend her dissertation—focused on women in the workforce—in one year, Epperson was determined to fulfill her goal. By 2022, she would earn her doctorate.

Epperson had already begun teaching APU by the team she completed her DBA. She learned about APU through a friend, started out as an adjunct professor, and began teaching full time at APU in 2021. 

Connecting with students is Epperson’s favorite aspect of teaching at APU. “Because I struggled a lot with school when I was younger, I understand that there are different kinds of learners. I do my best to meet students where they’re at to best help them succeed,” she said. Epperson especially encourages students to have compassion with each other. “Don’t overlook the people around you who might be facing challenges you can’t see.”

Epperson integrates faith into her business classes by sharing the importance of ethical values. She hopes students remain firm in doing good to others, and being honest in all circumstances. 

“I’m the living will of something greater than myself,” Epperson said. She aims to do her work from a posture of selflessness, knowing that in all she does she gives back to a God who has gifted her with her calling.

Staff Saturday: Larry Handy ’99, MLS, MFA, Encourages Lifelong Learning as a Librarian

Larry Handy ’99, MLS, MFA, developed a profound sense of his voice as a writer at a young age. As a poet, performer, storyteller, martial artist, marathoner, and former caregiver, Handy has a plethora of stories to share. His career as a librarian is just one aspect of his vocation and calling. Through his creative endeavors and interaction with students, Handy strives to make every individual feel seen, embracing their God-given qualities.

Originally from Monrovia, California, Handy recalls passing Azusa Pacific University during car rides on his family’s way to church. Growing up in a small house of worship, Handy was tasked with delivering a few sermons at just 15-years-old, which established a great foundation for public speaking. He was also interested in folklore, and Handy attributes his refinement in storytelling and performing to the skills he learned in school. Throughout that season, Handy briefly expressed his interest in writing to his peers. His English teacher devoted a lot of time to mentoring Handy, which cultivated the seed that would flourish in college. He was drawn to APU’s Christ-centered education, and as an eager teenager, he applied during his junior year of high school. In 1995, Handy began studying English and philosophy.

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Handy’s experience at APU was marked by discovering a community of artists and honing his skills to realize his calling. Reflecting on the memories that have stuck with him most over the years, he fondly recollected spring 1997, when his band, Totem Maples, performed for the first time. At a monthly talent show, one of Handy’s friends who played guitar suggested he perform poetry behind the music. While hesitant at first, holding his handwritten poems against candlelight in a dim room filled with students, Handy grew to love performing poetry, shortly before spoken word became mainstream in Los Angeles poetry culture. Totem Maples still performs today.

After graduating from APU, Handy applied to work at the University Libraries and pursued writing anytime he could. “I loved working in the library as a student employee,” he said. In 2001, Handy was hired at APU as a cataloging assistant. Since 2008, he’s been the interlibrary loan coordinator. For the past 23 years, Handy has encouraged students’ academic and personal growth, working alongside them in any of their library and research needs to engage in deep discussions.

While supervising student workers in the library, Handy was inspired by their commitment to lifelong learning and chose to pursue more of his interests by returning to school. Handy earned an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of California, Riverside in 2012. His MFA lecture “When You Speak a Poem the Air Becomes the Page,” digs deep into the transcendence of poetry over time and place. He continues to immerse himself in poetry from different cultures, and finds common threads between the multiple roles poets possess in order to illustrate a perspective that is truthful and transformative. “Poetry is what I am. My stories are my poems acted out by my characters,” Handy said. He also received a Master in Library Science from Emporia State University in 2023.

Handy’s work as a librarian, as well as his managerial tasks with his band, strengthened his organizational and communication skills, which played a vital role in his simultaneous work as a caretaker. “Everything I’ve done in my life intersects,” he said. “God gave me all these passions and opportunities to strengthen multiple aspects of myself.” He was in the caretaking field for several years, taking care of his grandparents and elderly in need. Handy’s essay about taking care of his grandmother with dementia was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and received an honorable mention in Best American Essays. 

Deepening connections with students and encouraging them to continue broadening their knowledge is at the heart of Handy’s role as a librarian. “One of the great things about libraries is that they’re about lifelong learning. You shouldn’t stop learning just because a class ends,” he said. “I don’t have to give students any grades. Instead I simply get to assist them along the way, and I’m grateful for that.” Through the many roles and endeavors Handy incorporates in his life, he touches lives by exemplifying Jesus’ traits of conviviality, service, and love.