Dear Friends and Colleagues,

At the core of Azusa Pacific University’s mission statement lies the belief that a community of disciples and scholars comes together for the purpose of transformation. The words themselves – disciples and scholars – paint the picture of a journey of change. In Romans 12:2, Paul builds this journey of transformation on a renewed mind, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will” (NIV). In fact, again in Philippians 2:5, Paul says we are to have the same mind in us that was in Christ Jesus. The effect of spiritual transformation is evidenced when our mind looks and responds like the mind of Christ. But for what purpose?

For Christian disciples and scholars, the vision is to build God’s Kingdom through humble obedience and determined pursuit of God-inspired excellence. This process opens the door for God to renew His image in our minds and hearts so that we can impact our world through our very engagement in it. It happens each and every day in the classroom between scholar and apprentice who tackle life’s most important questions; in the community, as neighbors and friends forge relationships and overcome barriers; and in service, as volunteers and agencies transcend preconceived notions of one another and unite in purpose.

At Azusa Pacific University, dedicated faculty and committed students devote themselves to this scholarly metamorphosis. At all levels – undergraduate, accelerated degree programs, graduate, and doctoral – I meet both students and faculty whose transformation through academic rigor and self-discovery shape and guide their life’s path.

Absolutely foundational to the call of transformation through scholarship and discipleship is the ability to engage our society, and in fact, the world itself. Widespread evidence that faculty, staff, and students empowered with both competence and compassion can impact the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ is clear and compelling – in healthcare, the marketplace, the Church, politics, and elsewhere.

We are about the business of allowing God to transform us, allowing God to use us to transform our students, and through His Holy Spirit at work in us, allowing our students and alumni to transform the world.

We ask you to continue your partnership with us on this profound journey of change, growth, and development.

Regards,

Jon R. Wallace, DBA
President