Life Pacific University is pleased to announce that Dr. Sam Rockwell, a seasoned organizational development, and leadership expert, has been named the new Director of the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership (MASL) program.
Dr. Rockwell brings a wealth of experience to his new role, specializing in helping organizations enhance their results and influence by leveraging the power of identity to optimize strategies, leaders, and teams. He works to help leaders articulate their big missions and mobilize to take the small steps to get there. His passion is to help leaders develop their perspectives, skills, and experiences to create careers and lives of greater authenticity, meaning, and effectiveness. Dr. Rockwell’s expertise is highly regarded in the field, with over 32 years of experience in planting, growing, leading, and developing leadership within various sectors, including churches, nonprofits, government, and for-profit organizations.
President Angie Richey says, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Sam Rockwell to the LPU leadership team. A champion of the MASL since its inception, he brings valuable experience as a leadership developer and from consulting in over 40 countries over his career. Dr. Rockwell excels at fostering motivated, empowered teams and applying theory to tackle emerging leadership challenges effectively. He will undoubtedly build upon the firm foundation laid by Dr Remi Lawanson”.
Dr. Sam Rockwell is an alum of Mout Vernon Bible College (’86) and has a rich educational background with an MS in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University, an M.A. in Human Development as well as a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University. His education opened doors of meaningful influence in over 40 countries, as well as nationally in his time serving as a Foursquare District Supervisor, as a local church pastor of North Rock Church in Colorado, and as a former Chair of the Board of Directors at Life Pacific Univeristy.
“We are delighted to have such an experienced leader taking the helm of our leadership program. He has taught for the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership since its inception, knows the value of our degree, and has partnered with Dr. Lawanson for many years. Thanks to Dr. Rockwell’s influence, leaders from all over the nation have graduated with this distinguished graduate degree. Welcome to our core faculty team!” shares Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs.
In reflecting on Dr. Sam Rockwell’s appointment as the MASL Director, his predecessor, Dr. Remi Lawanson, underscores the profound impact of Dr. Rockwell’s leadership.
Dr. Lawanson asserts, “Dr. Sam Rockwell brings a strong combination of biblical spirituality and academic excellence to his new role as the MASL Director. I had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Rockwell in 2015, when he initiated the first partnership by the Gateway District of Foursquare Churches with LPU for a MASL Cohort and two summer residencies. He has facilitated sessions at all MASL Year 1 and Year 2 Residencies since the inception of the MASL program. He is involved in scholarly pursuits which advance his understanding of his academic discipline, thereby enhancing the University’s reputation and contributing significantly to scholarship within his discipline. He demonstrates outstanding performance in organizational academic activities, concern for and connecting with students, and competence in the development of his skills to achieve excellence in teaching. Dr. Rockwell deserves the best support to take the MASL program to the next level. “
In his statement regarding his new role, Dr. Rockwell expressed his excitement about leading the MASL program: “I love the MASL program! I have learned much from my friend and mentor, Dr. Remi Lawanson. His generosity and wisdom have been a sustaining influence in my life for many years. I take this role with the goal of deepening and strengthening all he has invested in it.”Â
As the new Director of the Strategic Leadership Program, Dr. Rockwell will continue to uphold the University’s Christ-centered, Spirit-filled mission and the program’s values of excellence and innovation driven by his dedication to equip leaders to reach their full potential.
Learn more about the MASL program. Enrolling now for July.
