Azusa Pacific Online University Celebrates Grand Opening
Glendora, Calif.-As California’s state college system struggles with tuition hikes and a reduction in classes and support services, the number of adults returning to college in response to the highly competitive job market surges, with narrow choices until now. Recognizing the growing demand for an accessible and affordable college education, Azusa Pacific University recently launched Azusa Pacific Online University (APOU). Students from all walks of life can enroll in online courses and earn a degree in four years or less.
APOU, located at 511 Citrus Edge St., in Glendora, celebrates its grand opening on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2011, at 8:30 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour. Among the featured guests are APU President Jon R. Wallace, Chief Executive Officer John C. Reynolds, and Cliff Hamlow, former Glendora mayor and APU vice president emeritus.
“APOU represents an exciting new chapter in the rich history of Azusa Pacific University,” Reynolds said. “Through APOU, our students can experience the success and transformation of earning a degree, enabling them to make a difference in the world through their professional callings."
APOU’s first session began on June 27, 2011. Sessions last eight weeks long and occur six times a year. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Management or an Associate of Arts degree. Each student is paired with a life coach who assists in the learning experience by advising students weekly on academics, financial aid, and career planning. The life coach also encourages the student’s spiritual development and offers personal support.
“APOU fully engages the Azusa Pacific mission and vision online while remaining committed to offering a premier Christ-centered higher education,” said Kurt Takamine, Ed.D., seasoned online learning expert and academic dean at APOU.
According to Andrew Barton, chief learner officer for APOU, research shows online education is the fastest-growing segment of the higher education market nationwide, with more than one in four college and university students now taking at least one course online.
“APOU was designed for students desiring to learn, but whose lives do not support full-time, residential college life due to cost, geography, stage of life, or previous academic record, ” Barton said.
APOU is a separate university under the Azusa Pacific University System. Sharing the mission and values of the 112-year-old Azusa Pacific University, APOU delivers quality Christ-centered education to learners everywhere through affordable, accessible online academic programs that integrate faith and knowledge. With the establishment of APOU, Azusa Pacific University became the first Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) school to launch a fully independent online branch. For more information, visit www.apu.edu/apou
