About
Our History
Discover the legacy of APU Global, an online institution dedicated to serving busy adults. Rooted in the history of Azusa Pacific University, APU Global carries forward a tradition of faith-based education and academic excellence.
Since 1899
Built on a rich heritage.
Designed for today.
With a heritage of putting God first since 1899, Azusa Pacific University and APU Global continue to evolve and meet the needs of students as they prepare to make a difference in the world.
As the newest chapter in that legacy, APU Global is an online university dedicated to serving busy adults, people balancing work, family, and calling who need a degree built around their lives rather than a campus calendar.
Want the full arc? Read Azusa Pacific University’s history for the shared heritage that shaped both institutions.
The arc
A century of mission, a decade of online.
1899
01 / 08Training School for Christian Workers
Azusa Pacific University traces its roots back to 1899 with the establishment of the Training School for Christian Workers.
1965
02 / 08Azusa Pacific College formed
Azusa College (formerly TSCW) and L.A. Pacific College merge to form Azusa Pacific College.
1981
03 / 08University status
Azusa Pacific College achieves university status and is renamed Azusa Pacific University (APU).
2010
04 / 08Online programs launch
Azusa Pacific launches online programs as Azusa Pacific Online University (later University College at Azusa Pacific University).
2018
05 / 08Independent accreditation
The online institution gains full accreditation as an independent institution named Los Angeles Pacific University (LAPU).
2018
06 / 08Dr. John Reynolds named president
After 16 years as CIO and Executive Vice President at Azusa Pacific University, Reynolds is named the university's first president.
2025
07 / 08President Emeritus
Following his retirement in July 2025, Dr. Reynolds continues to serve as President Emeritus.
2026
08 / 08Azusa Pacific University Global
Los Angeles Pacific University is renamed Azusa Pacific University Global (APU Global).
Founding leadership
Dr. John Reynolds, President Emeritus
The first president of APU Global — and the founder of the two institutions that became it.
Dr. Reynolds is the first President of APU Global, having founded APU Global’s predecessor institutions, Azusa Pacific Online University (2011) and Azusa Pacific University College (2014). He served as CIO and Executive Vice President for 16 years at Azusa Pacific University before being named President in 2018. Following his retirement in July 2025, he now serves as President Emeritus.
Reynolds earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science and information systems, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education. His research interests in leadership, organizational effectiveness, change management, and strategic thinking have resulted in several publications in leadership and strategy, particularly relating to nonprofit organizations.
In addition to his years of experience in higher education, Reynolds has worked in the mining industry and as the global CIO for World Vision International, a large private international relief organization (1991–2000). A regular speaker at national conferences throughout the world, he has also consulted in more than 40 countries and traveled to more than 80 countries to speak, consult, and advise national NGO leaders.
Board service
- African Enterprise (USA)
- African Enterprise (Canada)
- Brewer Direct
- LCC International University (Lithuania)
- Opportunity International
- Christian Leadership Alliance
- API Educational Foundation (South Africa)
About APU Global
Who we serve, how we teach, and what a Christ-centered online degree looks like.
Explore →Looking for the campus-based institution? Visit Azusa Pacific University.