Our History
Built on a rich heritage. Designed for today.
WSCUC serves as one of the premiere accrediting agencies for educational institutions in the western United States. Committed to the development of education, WSCUC emphasizes student learning outcomes, quality teaching, and rigorous scholarship among its accredited colleges and universities. With a heritage of putting God first since 1899, Azusa Pacific University and Los Angeles Pacific University continue to evolve and meet the needs of students as they prepare to make a difference in the world. As the newest chapter in this 121-year legacy, Los Angeles Pacific is an online university dedicated to serving busy adults and is reviving the Los Angeles Pacific name that played such a vital role in the rich history of Azusa Pacific University.
Dr. John Reynolds, President Emeritus
Dr. Reynolds is the first President of Los Angeles Pacific University, having founded LAPU’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 of Los Angeles Pacific University 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. He serves on several nonprofit and educational boards, including African Enterprise (USA), African Enterprise (Canada), Brewer Direct, LCC International University (Lithuania), Opportunity International, Christian Leadership Alliance, and API Educational Foundation (South Africa).
