Angie Richey
Angie Richey

Life Pacific University (LPU) has named longtime faculty member and executive Angie Richey the 11th president of The Foursquare Church’s affiliate institution.

Angie is the first woman to take the helm at the school since it was founded by Aimee Semple McPherson in the 1920s. LPU was recently recognized formally as a full-fledged university that combines rigorous academic standards with a Pentecostal perspective, after a six-year accreditation process.

Angie succeeds Jim J. Adams, Ed.D., in overseeing LPU’s mission to prepare students for traditional and marketplace ministry at its main San Dimas, Calif., campus and its Life Pacific University-Virginia (formerly Ignite) extension campus in Christiansburg, Va.

LPU has been revitalized in the past few years, with enrollment growing to almost 700 students, residential and online. The school now offers 13 associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in its College of Theology and Ministry, and College of Arts and Sciences.

Angie was chosen as president after a four-month national search. She is “the ideal president to lead the university forward in this pivotal time,” says Michael Whyte, chair of the LPU board of trustees. “Her personal faith commitment, her love of the university, her multifaceted experience in the higher education landscape and her fervent commitment to raising up leaders qualifies her for this crucial role.”

An ordained Foursquare minister, Angie has served in a series of significant positions in 20-plus years at her alma mater, including director of enrollment and, most recently, vice president of enrollment and chief communications officer.

In addition, she is a recognized voice in Christian higher education, and has presented at the CCCU (Council for Christian College & Universities) 2018 International Forum and other national conferences. She is also a licensed marriage and family therapist.

“It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of such great leaders, from our founder, Aimee Semple McPherson, whose vision for the university still remains vibrant and relevant to this day, to our most recent president, Dr. Adams,” says Angie. “I look forward to working with our LPU community and The Foursquare Church to build upon the university’s strong foundation, to advance influence through service and to live passionately on mission for the transformational development of students into leaders prepared to serve God in the church, the workplace and the world.”

Foursquare leaders have welcomed Angie’s appointment, including President Glenn Burris Jr. Coming out of a “very progressive season of positive change,” her selection will help accelerate LPU’s current momentum, he says. “At no time have I been more optimistic about a missional and kingdom partnership with our flagship school than today.”

Foursquare President-Elect Randy Remington, who earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Life Pacific College (as it was formerly called), says Angie “is a proven, godly and passionate leader” who will “play a significant role in leading LPU into its next season of partnership, innovation and expansion while remaining true to our unique DNA as a movement.”

President Emeritus Jim J. Adams recognizes Angie as “an expert on the upcoming generation of students,” with “a rich and deep understanding of the need and characteristics of these future leaders of The Foursquare Church.”

Aimee Semple McPherson founded the school as Echo Park Evangelistic and Missionary Training Institute in Los Angeles in 1923. It was renamed L.I.F.E. Bible College three years later when it moved adjacent to Foursquare’s Angelus Temple. The school relocated to San Dimas in 1990, becoming Life Pacific College until the recent status change. In addition to its academic achievements, LPU is a member of the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and has 11 athletic teams.

Launched as an immersive discipleship program 10 years ago, Ignite is now Life Pacific University-Virginia, a four-year degree program at the Christiansburg, Va., campus. The two LPU locations are served by a total of around 250 faculty and staff. More than 27,000 students have completed some form of study at LPU during its history.

is a freelance writer living in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
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Comments

  1. Angie Richie,
    Congratulations on your new appointment.
    Blessings,
    Chaplain Jim Hough
    😀🙏🤠😊

  2. Angie, I couldn’t be happier for you. Congrats on this God-ordained assignment. Well done, friend.
    Blessings,
    Degna Horton
    Planned Giving Officer
    Joni and Friends
    International Disability Center

  3. Muchas felicitaciones Que mi Dios le dé gracia y sabiduría en su nueva labor y le añada mucho conocimiento para que la vida de muchos aspiran ser mejores en su vida Saludos desde Bakersfield Ca.

  4. Linda and I can not be happier with Angie’s selection to be President of our University. God be praised for His continued anointing on LPU!

  5. Congratulations on your new appointment.. I pray for God’s grace for you on this new assignment.

  6. Congratulations Angie. We are so pleased with your appointment. We know you will do a great job.
    The Greers

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