Life Pacific University was honored to award Dr. Doretha O’Quinn (’73) with the Lifetime of Service Alumnus of the Year Award.
In the early 1970s at LIFE Bible College, Doretha was the only African American female in her class. As with all majors at the time, Doretha’s primary major was Theology, but with a dual emphasis in Missions and Christian Education. Drs. Dorothy Jean Furlong, Paul Hackett, Leslie Eno, and Don Pickerill set high expectations, modeled strong leadership, and challenged young Doretha to think deeply about God’s calling in her life and the impact of God’s Word to sustain her through all life’s challenges.
Doretha excelled and continued her education earning a teaching credential, a master’s in School Administration, and Ph.D. in Intercultural Education. She taught and served as a school principal, was an adjunct professor in Education, a full-time faculty member, and led in multiple academic roles and senior administration with Christian universities throughout Southern California. Doretha consulted with each one on diversity, multi-ethnic, and global engagement practices.
She authored two books and has traveled and served around the world educating government officials, parliament and non-profit leaders, and ex-patriots, preaching internationally, and mentoring women in global and domestic leadership roles, especially those working within the urban context.
Throughout her career, Doretha’s ministry path always involved executive pastorate, positions on the Foursquare Board of Directors and Life Pacific Board of Trustees, and educator and leadership development in the Foursquare Church until the present. One highlight in particular was in 2000 following the release of one of her books, Doretha was the keynote speaker at the Denver Foursquare Convention.
Two key impactful and meaningful seasons of her life have been caring for her husband Michael for the past 49 years, her four adult children, and nine grandchildren; and also developing leaders internationally throughout Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Martinique, China, Indonesia, South Africa, and Mexico.
After her 50-year career and ministry, Dr. O’Quinn now serves as a Church and Educational Consultant, conference speaker, TV show host, and still remains an executive pastor.
We are thankful for the life and legacy of Dr. Doretha O’Quinn, as well as her commitment to exemplary servant leadership and whole-hearted commitment to discipling others through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word.
