Life Pacific University is excited to announce the promotion of Dr. Hugo Aldana Jr. to the role of Dean of LPU Global, effective Spring 2024. This strategic move aligns with the University’s ongoing efforts to expand its global reach and fulfill its institutional vision of being recognized as a premier Pentecostal institution worldwide. Dr. Aldana’s new role reflects both his exceptional leadership and the growing importance of LPU’s international academic presence.

A Vision for Global Leadership

In announcing the promotion, LPU President Dr. Angie Richey shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We thank God for Dr. Hugo Aldana, whose global vision and leadership have empowered our Hispanic programs and initiatives to flourish. A true multiplier, visionary, and champion of education as a pathway to discipleship, Dr. Aldana’s exceptional rapport with denominational leaders worldwide, combined with his deep passion for ministry, makes him the ideal leader for this next chapter of the University as a global education and training center.”

Dr. Aldana has been a key figure in the development of LPU’s international initiatives, particularly through his leadership of the Hispanic Programs and Initiatives. Under his guidance, the Hispanic programs have flourished, and his passion for “educational evangelism” has led to record-high enrollment numbers. His promotion to Dean of LPU Global is a direct response to the need for a strategic leader who can represent LPU’s academic efforts on the global stage, ensuring that the University’s mission reaches students and leaders across the world.

A New Chapter for LPU Global

The creation of the LPU Global role is part of a broader institutional strategy aimed at expanding LPU’s reach beyond U.S. borders. As Dr. Richey shared, “The world needs trained leaders, and I believe Life Pacific University has a role in preparing leaders to serve God in the Church, the Workplace, and the World for generations to come.” This vision is rooted in the University’s mission to raise up Spirit-empowered leaders whose hearts and minds are devoted to Christ and His Kingdom.

In 2022, LPU introduced a restructuring of its academic leadership, elevating faculty to new dean roles with specific focus areas. The creation of the Dean of Online Instruction was a direct response to the growing importance of online education, with 52% of LPU students currently enrolled in online programs. The role of Dean of LPU Global further solidifies the University’s commitment to global outreach, ensuring that LPU is prepared to train leaders for the international mission field and serve its current international student body more effectively.

The Vision Behind LPU East

Dr. Aldana’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for LPU’s East Campus, which is poised to become a hub for Global Ministry Training. The East Campus is not just a local extension of LPU but is envisioned as a Center for preparing leaders from “every nation, tribe, people, and language” (Revelation 7:9). The new role of Dean of LPU Global is closely aligned with this vision, supporting the upcoming season of growth, which includes new international student scholarships and the expansion of global ministry initiatives.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Aldana shared, “I have accepted this new position with humility and responsibility. I feel called to work hard to help raise a new generation of Pentecostal pastors. However, achieving this must be done as a team; we need the correct human elements. Thank God we have the unrestricted support of our top leaders, Dr. Richey and Dr. Ruarte, who have a broad vision to consolidate our work.”

Dr. Aldana continued, “In addition, we must point out the excellent team of professors and professionals LPU East has, who have been bravely putting their shoulders to the wheel to sustain the campus. I thank God for the Department of Hispanic Initiatives because it now assumes a broader role in achieving the proposed goals. I thank God for our Associate Director of Enrollment and Hispanic Initiatives, Debbie Bravo, who has also taken on this responsibility.”

The Global Impact of LPU

Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, praised Dr. Aldana’s contributions, saying, “Dr. Aldana has done an excellent job connecting LPU to the world. During his time at LPU, he has cultivated relationships with leaders and brought many international students to Life Pacific. He is already being a global leader, and with the new role and location, his impact will be even greater. I believe he will be a strategic piece to accomplish LPU’s vision of being ‘recognized worldwide as a premier Pentecostal institution…’ I have seen what he can do and trust in the Lord we both serve. ¡Felicitaciones!”

Dr. Aldana’s leadership has already had a profound impact on LPU’s global outreach, particularly through the Master of Arts in Leadership-Spanish Language (MLSP), which has seen enrollment from denominational leaders across Central and South America and Europe. Under his direction, the Hispanic programs have grown exponentially, and his vision for the future of LPU’s global efforts is both ambitious and inspiring.

“We are thrilled to see Dr. Hugo Aldana step into this expanded role as Dean of LPU Global. Dr. Aldana’s passion for equipping leaders and his heart for the nations align perfectly with the mission of Life Pacific University. His commitment to academic excellence and his ability to cultivate meaningful connections within our global community are invaluable assets as we advance our vision to make disciples worldwide. Under his guidance, we are excited to see new doors open for students from diverse backgrounds to receive an education that will empower them for impactful ministry.” says Sara Huson, VP of Enrollment Management & Marketing.

A Season of Growth Ahead

As Dr. Aldana relocates to the East Campus in Virginia, his focus will be on accelerating LPU’s global initiatives, supporting international students, and continuing to cultivate strategic partnerships with leaders around the world. His leadership is expected to be a key factor in LPU’s mission to raise up leaders who will serve in the Church, the workplace, and the world.

We invite the LPU community to join us in congratulating Dr. Hugo Aldana and his family as they embark on this new chapter. Please keep the Aldanas in your prayers as they transition into this important role, and pray for continued growth at LPU East as it strengthens its global ministry efforts.

The world is waiting for trained leaders, and with Dr. Aldana at the helm of LPU Global, Life Pacific University is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pentecostal leadership worldwide.

We look forward to seeing how God will continue to use your leadership to impact lives for His Kingdom!

Learn more about Life Pacific University’s global expansion on our East campus here.