Adam Morris

Adam J. Morris, Ph.D. is the 18th president of Azusa Pacific University (APU), appointed to the role in 2022.12 Here are some key details about President Morris:

Background and Experience

• Prior to joining APU, Morris served for 31 years at Biola University, most recently as Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer, and Chief Institutional Advancement Officer.25

• He has 30 years of experience in Christian higher education.3

• Morris holds a B.A. from Biola University, an M.A. from Talbot School of Theology, and a Ph.D. from Biola University.1

Leadership at APU

• As president, Morris provides visionary leadership and strategic planning expertise to advance APU's mission.34

• He was unanimously selected by APU's Board of Trustees, who cited his distinguished career marked by visionary leadership, strategic planning skills, and significant advancement expertise.2

• Morris expressed feeling a strong call from God to join the APU community, viewing the presidency as a "sacred position of leadership".2

Priorities and Goals

Some of President Morris's top priorities for APU include:

1. Stabilizing APU financially, especially in light of pandemic-related challenges.5

2. Focusing on "community wellbeing" to help faculty, staff, and students thrive.5

3. Maintaining faithfulness to APU's Christian mission in the face of pressures and challenges in higher education.5

4. Strengthening APU's leadership team, including searching for a permanent provost.5

President Morris leads APU alongside his wife Faith, and they transitioned to this role after many years at Biola University.5