Life Pacific University is proud to announce the recipients of the esteemed Faculty of the Year awards for 2024. This recognition is bestowed upon faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentorship, and contributions to the university community. These honors reflect LPU’s commitment to providing a transformational educational experience that fosters academic, professional, and spiritual growth in students. The recipients of this year’s awards include Dr. Frans Flores, Dr. Daniel Mundt, Chris Crumley, M.A., Linna Martz, M.A., and Dr. Jana Plant.
“We recognize our exceptional Faculty of the Year for their exemplary service and unwavering dedication. Each one of them is a standout individual, and we celebrate their remarkable achievements. Congratulations, all!” says LPU President Angie Richey.
Full-Time Faculty of the Year: Dr. Frans Flores
Dr. Frans Flores, Assistant Professor and Co-Chair for LPU’s Business Program, is awarded the Full-Time Faculty of the Year. Dr. Flores has 20 years of experience in academia and industry, specializing in start-ups, entrepreneurship, and operations. He is known for his dedication to integrating faith and business practices, teaching courses such as Business as Mission, Principles of Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Foundations of Personal Finance.
Dr. Flores expressed his appreciation, saying, “I humbly accept this honor, finding encouragement from the esteemed community of colleagues whom I deeply admire and look up to as a member of the faculty team. As a professor, my aspiration is to inspire students to reach the fullest expression of their potential in pursuit of their God-given calling and purpose.”
Online Undergraduate Programs: Dr. Daniel Mundt
Dr. Daniel Mundt, Director of Leader Health for The Foursquare Church and professor at LPU, receives the Faculty of the Year for Online Undergraduate Programs. Dr. Mundt’s extensive experience in ministry leadership enriches his teachings in courses such as Foundations in Leadership and Congregational Renewal and Change Dynamic.
Dr. Mundt expressed his gratitude, stating, “It has been my lifelong mission to have a positive influence on generations. Being a professor at LPU has truly fulfilled that mission. I am humbled and honored to receive such a prestigious award. I am grateful to be a part of the LPU community.”
Faculty of the Year for Traditional Undergraduate Programs: Chris Crumley, M.A.
Chris Crumley, Adjunct Professor in LPU’s Media & Communications department, is recognized as the Faculty of the Year for Traditional Undergraduate Programs. With over 25 years of experience in the communications field, Crumley brings real-world expertise to her students and teaches courses such as Convergent Media, Interpersonal Communications, Media Communications Portfolio, and Christ, Culture & Media.
Crumley remarked, “It’s an honor to be recognized for doing something you not only love but something you have been called to do. Teaching at LPU has been a blessing, and I’m thankful for all of the students who helped to make it an amazing experience.”
Faculty of the Year for Graduate Programs: Dr. Jana Plant
Dr. Jana Plant, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Executive Director for Emmaus Road Christian Counseling Center, receives the Faculty of the Year for Graduate Programs. Dr. Plant’s impressive academic and professional background includes earning her bachelor’s degree from LPU, a master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctorate in Counseling and Psychological Studies from Regent University.
She cherishes her role as an adjunct professor, sharing, “Receiving the honor of Faculty of the Year at my alma mater, Life Pacific University, fills me with immense gratitude and humility. It reaffirms my dedication to nurturing both academic excellence and spiritual growth in our students, and I am deeply honored to be recognized for my contributions.”
Faculty of the Year for Life Pacific University – Virginia: Linna Martz, M.A.
Professor Linna Martz, with over 25 years of dedication to the LPU community, has an impact that extends far beyond the classroom. As an ordained Foursquare minister, she brings invaluable insights to her teachings, preparing future ministers for success in both the pulpit and the marketplace.
Linna expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive the Faculty of the Year award from Life Pacific University Virginia. This recognition is humbling as I am grateful to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and students. Together, we will continue to inspire, train, and empower the next generation of pastors and leaders.
Life Pacific University honors these esteemed faculty for their dedicated and godly service to the students and wider community of LPU.
