APU Names Azusa Resident Vice Provost for Academic Effectiveness

Azusa Pacific University appoints Matt Elofson, PhD, as vice provost for academic effectiveness, as announced by Anita Fitzgerald Henck, PhD, provost and chief academic officer, effective July 1, 2024.

“Dr. Elofson's 25 plus year investment in APU provides a breadth of expertise paired with strong analytical skills and a deep commitment to evaluation and assessment,” Henck said. “This uniquely prepares him to serve as the vice provost for academic effectiveness to shape the future academics of our university. Matt's deep faith, strong administrative skills, and commitment to APU will strengthen the work of academic affairs.”

As the vice provost for academic effectiveness of APU, Elofson will lead and advocate for APU’s academic mission by overseeing the academic portfolio administration, University Libraries, the Office of Institutional Research, the Office of Faculty Evaluation, the Faculty Handbook, academic program review, curricular support and instructional design, and academic policies.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with Provost Henck and the rest of the faculty and staff associated with the Office of the Provost at APU,” Elofson said. “I look forward to working together to cultivate an environment in which our university’s faculty, staff, and students flourish academically, professionally, and personally in the years to come.”

Elofson began working at APU as a full-time lecturer in the School of Theology in 1998. He later served as an adjunct faculty member, returning in 2008 as an assistant professor in the Department of Practical Theology, before earning the rank of professor in 2015. He has served as chair of the Department of Practical Theology since 2016, and as interim dean of the School of Theology since 2022. Among his service roles at APU, Elofson was a faculty senator (2008-15); on the Faculty Evaluation Council (2019-22), including as chair for two years; and on the Athletic Advisory Committee (2014-21). Since 2022, Elofson has been a senior participant or principal investigator on three Lilly Endowment grants totaling $3 million: “Synergistic Congregations: Building a Strong Community Together,” “Compelling Preaching Initiative,” and “Thriving in Ministry.”

Elofson earned his PhD in Theology at Fuller Seminary in 2007 where he previously earned an MA in Theology (Youth Ministry) in 1992 and a second MA in Theology (Biblical Studies and Theology) in 1999.