President’s Cabinet
The President’s Cabinet is accountable for the leadership and management of the university.
Paul W. Ferguson, Ph.D., DABT
Prior to his role as APU’s 17th president, Paul Ferguson served as the founding dean of the School of Science, Technology, and Health at Biola University and held leadership roles at five universities, including as president of Ball State University and president of the University of Maine.
Rukshan Fernando, Ph.D.
Fernando provides strategic leadership as the university’s chief academic officer. Prior to this role, Fernando was interim dean of the APU School of Business and Management and associate dean and professor in the APU School of Behavioral and Applied Sciences, along with faculty and other administrative roles at APU and Taylor University.
Alanna Cajthaml
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President for Finance and Business Strategy
With experience in budget, financial planning, and analysis in higher education institutions, Cajthaml provides leadership to the finance and business functions of the university, along with strategic direction for future financial sustainability.
Andrew Barton, Ed.D.
Vice President for Strategic Planning and Mission Integration
Dr. Barton provides executive leadership and oversight to the University Strategic Plan, alongside executive-level engagement with the President and University Board of Trustees on issues of strategy and mission. He ensures the successful design, integration, implementation, and assessment of the University Strategic Plan, consistent with APU’s Vision and Mission, in collaboration with University administration, faculty, and staff. Dr. Barton most recently served as Senior Advisor to the President and Chief of Staff, with previous experience in university and human services organizations in the U.S. and England.
Don Davis, Ed.D.
Vice President for Administration,
Chief Information OfficerDavis oversees the teams that provide leadership for the digital and physical infrastructure of APU. Prior to this role, Davis held various leadership roles in educational and religious nonprofit organizations.
Keith E. Hall, Ed.D.
Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer
Hall provides strategic leadership and partnership to advance diversity and inclusion efforts aimed at cultivating a university climate that promotes engagement and belonging for the diverse demography of faculty, staff, and students at APU. Prior to this role, Hall served in a number of roles at both public and private higher education institutions in Tennessee and California.
Corbin Hoornbeek
Vice President for University Advancement
Hoornbeek provides leadership for the university’s fundraising activities and programs. He has served in fundraising leadership roles in Christian higher education and in world missions organizations for more than 25 years.
Chris Jennings, JD
Vice President for University Integrity and General Counsel
Jennings supports the university’s mission by representing and advising the board and administration on a broad range of legal matters. Prior to joining APU in 2011, Jennings spent nearly a decade in private practice, litigating on behalf of major multinational corporations in a wide variety of industries. He also teaches constitutional law in APU’s prelaw program.
Paola Martinez
Vice President for Human Resources
In her role, Martinez promotes a Christ-centered work environment. Prior to joining APU, Paola spent 20 years in national and regional human resource leadership in employee relations, performance management, organizational design, and change management initiatives.
David Peck, Ph.D.
Vice President for University Relations
Peck provides vision and leadership for promoting and protecting APU through marketing, advertising, public relations, and storytelling. With degrees in business and psychology, he brings expertise in how these areas inform our decisions, relationships, and communication. Prior to APU, he worked in marketing and distribution with Disney, United Artists, and IJL Creations.
Heather Petridis, Ph.D.
Vice President for Enrollment Management, Chief Enrollment Officer
With more than 25 years of experience spanning both private and for-profit education, Heather provides strategic leadership and direction for the division of enrollment management. She teaches in doctoral-level higher education leadership programs and was the founding vice president for the offices of Military and Veteran Services and Graduate Student Affairs at Azusa Pacific.
Gary Pine, MBA
Director of Athletics
Pine oversees APU’s 19-sport, nationally-recognized athletics program that competes in NCAA Division II and the Pacific West Conference, and provides leadership on several NCAA and PacWest committees. Prior to returning to APU, his alma mater, more than 25 years ago, Pine served at USC and the Big West Conference.
Megan Prosser, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor to the President and Chief of Staff
Dr. Prosser provides support to the President across a range of higher education issues, provides oversight for the operation of the Office of the President, and facilitates the President’s major interactions with the University Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, and other University constituencies including faculty, staff, and students. She manages select university-wide projects and strategic initiatives consistent with the University Strategic Plan and developing Presidential Priorities. Prior to joining the Office of the President, Dr. Prosser was chair of the APU Department of Biology and Chemistry with a teaching and research focus in cell biology and immunotherapeutic approaches to treating cancer.
Shino Simons, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Simons provides strategic leadership and vision to all co-curricular and extracurricular efforts contributing to the holistic development of all students, particularly in the areas of spiritual formation, student engagement, and student wellness. Her two decades of increasing leadership experience includes positions in residence life, judicial affairs, and Title IX, among other various roles and responsibilities.