Dean's Desk (August 2017)

   By Denise Ferguson, Ph.D., APR


It is an honor to write my first greeting for the Dean’s Desk in my first few weeks at APU! In my new role as CLAS Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research, I collaborate with faculty and staff on new graduate programs, and support faculty in the development and dissemination of their research. Coming from Pepperdine University, where I directed the graduate programs in communication and undergraduate degree in public relations, I look forward to getting to know CLAS alums and students. If you are considering pursuing a graduate degree, I would welcome an opportunity to talk with you about existing and proposed CLAS graduate programs.

Although I no longer have an ocean view from my office, I’ve already appreciated many things about being part of the APU community: a more easily walkable campus; being a fierce Cougar instead of a Wave (what kind of mascot name is that?!); passionate and committed faculty, staff, administrators, students, and alumni; and the clear, compelling focus on God First. 

This issue of CLAS Connect features an alumnus, a faculty member, and a student who are committed to serving God through serving His world: Dr. Mark Vollenweider brings healing as a physician and USAF flight surgeon; Dr. Abbylin Sellers promotes informed, critical civic engagement in her teaching and research; and Patrick Nagai in his NASA internship, volunteering for the California Honor Guard, and pursuit of a bachelor’s degrees (3!) in physics, mathematics, and computer science. 

How has APU impacted your lives as Difference Makers? We invite you to share your stories of how you, also, are serving God through serving His world.

Denise Ferguson, Ph.D., APR
Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Professor of Communication
Azusa Pacific University

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Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.