Life Pacific University is pleased to welcome a dynamic group of new adjunct faculty whose diverse expertise and real-world experience will enrich the academic and spiritual formation of students across multiple programs. These new incoming professors, along with several returning instructors, reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to integrating rigorous scholarship with practical ministry and leadership development.
In the Traditional Undergraduate program, Jared Mueller, MA will teach Foundations for Global Engagement and Spiritual Disciplines. Mueller brings over 20 years of ministry experience, including pastoral leadership, missionary service in El Salvador, and regional leadership across Central America. Currently serving as Senior Pastor of Hope Chapel Huntington Beach and as a regional coordinator for international missions, he is fluent in both English and Spanish and has extensive experience in cross-cultural leadership development. His teaching is shaped by a discipleship-centered philosophy that emphasizes transformation, spiritual formation, and practical application in ministry contexts.
Within the Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Leadership program, Dr. Arlene Sumpter will teach Contemporary Approaches to Leadership. Dr. Sumpter holds a Doctor of Ministry in Theology and Apologetics and brings a diverse background that includes pastoral leadership, coaching, and organizational development. She is the founder of Empowering Women Hawaii, where she develops curriculum and leads initiatives focused on spiritual growth and leadership development. Her experience also includes serving as a teaching pastor and training instructor in the aviation industry, reflecting a unique blend of leadership, mentorship, and cross-cultural engagement. She is passionate about equipping students to navigate modern leadership challenges with wisdom, adaptability, and a strong ministry foundation.
(Left to right: Dr. Arlene Sumpter, David Turner, MA, Jared Mueller, MA, Dr. John Fehlen)
Life Pacific University also welcomes back David Turner, MA and Dr. John Fehlen as returning adjunct faculty. Both will be teaching in the Online BA in Ministry and Leadership program, contributing their experience and insight through the Intro to Theology and Intro to Biblical Literature courses. Turner brings over two decades of pastoral and teaching experience, with a strong focus on practical and biblical theology, as well as nonprofit leadership serving at-risk communities. Dr. Fehlen, a seasoned pastor with more than 30 years of ministry experience, holds a Doctor of Leadership and is passionate about developing resilient leaders through teaching, coaching, and spiritual formation. He is the author of several books, including More Than Fine, which discusses pastoral burnout and how to develop rhythms for long-term, healthy ministry.
In the Online Undergraduate Program is Brittany Whitaker, MA, who will teach both Great Books and Senior Seminar. Whitaker brings more than 14 years of experience in higher education, along with a strong background in curriculum development, instructional mentoring, and literacy education. She holds a Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Reading and is currently completing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to her work as an adjunct instructor, she has served as a subject matter expert and instructional mentor, supporting faculty development and academic quality. Her passion for student success and literacy development shapes her approach to guiding students as they engage influential texts and synthesize their academic journey in preparation for graduation.
Also joining the Online Undergraduate Program, Dr. Karen Stancil and Dr. Joanna Vance will teach science courses designed to cultivate scientific literacy while encouraging thoughtful reflection on the relationship between faith and the natural world. Dr. Stancil holds a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and brings extensive experience teaching biology, microbiology, and botany at the collegiate level. A longtime professor at the College of Central Florida and adjunct faculty member in microbiology, she has also contributed to scientific research and academic publishing, including work on plant stress tolerance and biology education. Her commitment to innovative teaching is reflected in multiple grants and awards focused on improving student engagement and success in science learning.
Dr. Vance holds a Ph.D. in Education, along with advanced degrees in physiology and kinesiology, and currently serves as full-time faculty in health sciences. With experience teaching anatomy and physiology, genetics, bioethics, and capstone courses, she is deeply invested in student mentorship, curriculum development, and program assessment. Her research includes recent work on the impact of AI tools in education and student learning. She has also contributed to STEM education initiatives for underserved and rural communities, reflecting her commitment to expanding access to quality science education.
(Left to right: Dr. Elías Rodríguez, Dr. Joanna Vance, Dr. Karen Stancil, Brittany Whitaker, MA)
The Doctor of Ministry (Spanish) program is strengthened by the addition of Dr. Elías Rodríguez, who will teach Adaptive Leadership and Pentecostal Ministry. Dr. Rodríguez holds a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on pastoral leadership and has served in a wide range of ministry roles for over four decades, including pastor, educator, and denominational leader. He has extensive experience teaching theological courses internationally and contributing to leadership development across Latin America and the United States. A published author and conference speaker, his work engages topics such as Pentecostal theology, pastoral leadership, and the mission of the church. His leadership will support Spanish-speaking ministry leaders as they navigate change and cultivate thriving, Spirit-led communities.
“As Provost of Life Pacific University, I am pleased to welcome our new adjunct faculty members,” said Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost and VP Academic Affairs at Life Pacific University. “Your expertise and experience will greatly enrich our academic community and the life of our students. We are grateful you have joined us in our mission to develop leaders for the church, the workplace, and the world.”
Together, these faculty members bring a rich blend of academic knowledge, ministry experience, and a shared commitment to student success. Their contributions will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of leaders called to serve the church, the workplace, and the world.
