Announcing New Chair of Human Development and Psychology
SAN DIMAS, Calif. – Life Pacific University is pleased to announce Professor Elizabeth James, MA, LMFT, LPCC as New Program Chair of the Human Development and Psychology Program effective July 1, 2022.
Life Pacific University welcomes Professor Elizabeth James as the new Program Chair of the Human Development and Psychology (HDP) program and Interim Director of the future Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) following the retirement of current HDP Program Chair Dr. Gayle Samples.
Professor James comes to LPU with extensive experience in the helping professions and academia and considers her new role with LPU to be a blessing uniquely fitted to her life and expertise. She will complete a Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) program in 2023 and is an adept Director of Clinical Training with a well-rounded skill set in management, administration and the classroom. She has served as a Professor, Clinical Administrator and Director of Clinical Training at Azusa Pacific University. Additionally, she has experience in clinical practice working for Hope Counseling and Family Therapy Inc. and Behavioral Health Works Inc.
Dr. Gayle Samples, Director of Emmaus Road Counseling Center considers Elizabeth a friend and colleague who is “extremely qualified and gifted” to be the Chair of the HDP program. “Liz is a warm, gifted educator and practitioner within the fields of psychology and counseling,” Gayle says. “She is passionate about integrating her faith into the classroom and equipping students to be biblically sound, professionally, and clinically competent leaders prepared to serve God in the church, the marketplace, and the world.”
The words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 5:2-4 are a driving force in Elizabeth’s life and practice: “…through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Elizabeth is drawn to the diversity of LPU and looks forward to pouring into the lives of students who are a reflection of Christ in our community, she says. “My journey with academia and leadership has prepared me with the necessary experience to support the transformation of those who are a part of Life Pacific University – spirit-filled individuals who are devoted to serving God in the classroom and workplace settings.”
LPU President Angie Richey, also a licensed marriage and family therapist is particularly pleased to welcome Professor James to the faculty and recognizes the excellent work of the search committee during a national search to fill the position. She affirms, “It’s a pleasure to welcome Elizabeth to the faculty of LPU. We are blessed to have such an experienced and talented new Chair providing our students with the heart and skills needed to succeed at LPU and in their chosen helping profession serving God in the church, the workplace, and the world!”
Learn more about the B.A. in Human Development and Psychology program here. LPU will launch the new M.A. in Counseling July 2023. Join the interest list.
