When choosing a university, students should consider a variety of features ranging from class size and campus morale to faculty investment. Azusa Pacific University’s faculty take time to intentionally invest in and mentor their students. With a small 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors are able to focus on all students and meet them where they are, above and beyond class content. Students at APU are given the unique opportunity to work with their professors through internships and teaching assistant jobs. Faculty prioritize students’ well being and make sure that they are growing not just academically, but spiritually and emotionally as well.
Classroom Connection
When students choose to attend APU, they are entering a space where they can be mentored and guided by their faculty. It is more than just a classroom connection, students are able to work one-on-one with professors, to gain real world understanding of their subject matter. Within the Department of Music, students and faculty enter one-on-one mentorship at the beginning of their freshmen year. Students are assigned a professor who guides them in their focus, whether that is performance, composition, production or music business. “We are really intentional about staffing those instructor positions with people who are transparent and open up their professional lives to students,” said Michael Lee, MM, director of Music Technology and Commercial Music. “They are invited to see how a person of faith lives their professional lives. We talk about how I manage demands on my time through my roles as an instructor, professional composer, husband, and father.”
With a small student to faculty ratio across the university, students are encouraged
to speak up in class and form strong connections with their classmates and professors.
“In our field, students need to feel comfort and belonging. They need faces they know,
people they can talk to and connect with,” said Windy Petrie, PhD, professor in the Department of English. “That connection enables them to be more comfortable and bold to say things in class
and participate.” The Department of English and the university as a whole foster
an environment where students feel comfortable to share their thoughts in conversations.
A college classroom can be a daunting place, but APU professors work to make sure
that all students feel welcome. “Dr. Petrie created a space for students to feel seen,
cared for, and at ease,” said Corazon Agredano-Quirino ’27.
Beyond personal connection, professors aim to foster community across the entire department. Within the Department of English there are a multitude of ways for students to get connected. “We had a dozen department events last year, from parties to academic and career focused events. Some were simply aimed at being who we are together, like Writerly Wednesdays,” said Petrie. “It is so important to be together, as ourselves, writing and working creatively in collaboration.” These kinds of events are hosted across the university.
Career Guidance
Professors across APU are dedicated to the development of students, to help them become lights in whatever industry they plan to enter. Faculty provide opportunities for students to work alongside them as interns, research assistants, or teaching assistants. The Department of Psychology often offers students class credits as research assistants, aiding with projects that the professors are working on. “We have faculty doing research with them, helping them to master statistical knowledge, reviewing the literature, and APA style writing,” said Matthew Heller, PhD, chair of the Department of Undergraduate Psychology. “Because we work with them all semester, we get to know the students and are able to invest in their growth as a person.”
A major factor when it comes to picking a college is who students will be learning from.
APU pairs students with faculty who are actively working in their fields and have extensive experience in the industries that students want to enter.
Students get to walk alongside their professors and see what it takes to succeed in their chosen field. Within the music industry, it is important for students to have an understanding of what the atmosphere is like. “The faculty have a philosophy of ‘We are going to prepare you and get you experience in the industry,’” said Zach Pinho ’28. “My professors do more than just teach me how to play my instrument, which they are exceptional at, but they are also professionals in their field and share information that is crucial to know when going into the industry, equipping me for success.”
Overall Growth
Although academic success is a major focus, APU faculty are concerned about the overall wellbeing of their students. “We pray for our students consistently. It is our job to meet their needs, but it is also our sincere desire for our students to thrive. We care about their spiritual, academic, mental and social lives. We want them to succeed in all areas of their lives,” said Heller. This kind of attention to students, as more than just academics, helps to create a welcoming environment and make students feel cared for.
For some students, reaching out to professors for help or connection can be daunting at first. “The university as a whole does a good job of connecting students and professors and making it less intimidating,” said Alena Crouse ’27. “It used to be scary to talk with someone when there was such an experience gap, but now I feel so comfortable talking with them and reaching out for support.” Professors across the university make a point to have open-door policies and create a welcoming environment for students to reach out.
APU faculty are invested in the overall growth of their students. Students grow through their college careers—academically, spiritually and emotionally. “Growth happens over time. I like to say people grow like plants—sleep, creep, and leap,” said Petrie. “It looks like nothing is happening, and then a little, and then suddenly they bloom. There is no formula, but true growth lies in the unexpected moments of intentional connection.” Students are blooming under the care and guidance of APU’s dedicated faculty.