Azusa Pacific Department of Criminal Justice

Last Friday was such a special time celebrating our Criminal Justice & Sociology graduates. 🎓 We are so proud of all that they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the difference they’ll make in their communities and beyond! 🎉

Congratulations to Dr. Candice Williams and Dr. LaShan Epperson on receiving the 2026 Faculty Research Council (FRC) Grant in the amount of $10,000!

Their project, “Stewardship of Safety: Integrating Organizational Behavior and Christian Values in Campus Violence Prevention,” explores how principles of organizational behavior and faith-informed leadership can strengthen violence prevention efforts. The research will also extend into business and organizational leadership contexts, with a particular focus on addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) in workplace settings.

This work reflects a meaningful commitment to advancing both scholarship and practical solutions that promote safer, more supportive communities!

Come stop by our table at the APU Resource Fair today from 1–4pm on Cougar Walk! We’d love to connect, answer your questions, and share more about our wonderful Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Ethnic Studies programs! Wee hope to see you there! ☀️

THIS FRIDAY! All men on campus are invited to the Cougar Dome for Cuts & Conversations. An opportunity to sit down, talk life, faith, and manhood, and get a FREE HAIRCUT. The event is from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

So grateful for the time we had yesterday celebrating Dr. Mary Ann McMillan! 🎉 It was such a joy to gather with faculty, staff, and students to honor the incredible impact she’s had on our community. We are wishing Dr. McMillan so much joy and fulfillment in her next chapter! 🤍

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Stop by Cougar Walk TODAY between 11am-1pm to get teal awareness stickers, pick up resources for on and off campus support, and a teal donut!

Today is APU Giving Day! Join us in making a meaningful impact by supporting scholarships that transform lives. The Jennifer Jason Mendoza Scholarship honors a beloved Criminal Justice alumna’s legacy through justice and compassion, while the Sociology Scholarship empowers students to pursue research, internships, and service in their communities.

Every gift—big or small—helps open doors for our students and invests in the next generation of leaders.

Give today and be part of something bigger: apu.edu/givingday

We are excited to welcome Dakota Ridgeway as the new Program Director for the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Grant in the Department of Criminal Justice. Dakota is a Los Angeles native and an Azusa Pacific University alum who is passionate about supporting students, strengthening campus community, and helping create a safe and positive environment for learning and growth.

In his role, Dakota will oversee the OVW grant initiatives that support education, prevention, and resources related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to his work with the department, Dakota also serves as an Assistant Football Coach for APU Football, where he enjoys mentoring student-athletes and building strong relationships with students both on and off the field.

With a background in athletics, leadership, and student development, Dakota brings great energy and dedication to the APU community. Outside of work, his interests include sports, collecting shoes, and spending time in the gym. Please join us in welcoming Dakota to the department!

💛 Cougars Love Better Workshop with Dr. Williams – TODAY at 1:00 PM! 💛

All undergraduate students are invited to join us this afternoon for the next session in the UCC’s Cougars Love Better workshop series: “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” 

Led by our very own Dr. Candice Williams, this interactive workshop will help you build valuable skills for navigating healthy relationships — including how to recognize subtle warning signs, set healthy boundaries, and distinguish genuine care from control. 

Whether you’re dating, in friendships, or just wanting to grow in emotional wisdom, this is a meaningful and practical conversation you won’t want to miss. 

📍 Wilden 102 
🕐 Today at 1:00 p.m. 

We hope to see you there!

It’s happening TODAY! 🎉

Join us at 5:00 p.m. for the Ethnic Studies & Sociology Info Session — with both in-person and virtual options available (and free food for those who attend in person!).

Come learn how these majors and minors can strengthen your career goals through critical thinking, cultural competence, and a deeper understanding of faith, justice, and human dignity. Whether you’re exploring a minor, double major, or just curious, this session is for you.

🎁 Bonus: Students who attend will be entered into a raffle for a special prize!

Don’t miss it — bring a friend and we’ll see you tonight!