New administrators to focus on adult learning, inclusive teaching and student success at Fresno Pacific University

Two new administrative positions at Fresno Pacific University will bring a new, high-level focus to adult learning, inclusive teaching and student success.

"Welcoming students from all backgrounds to undergraduate, bachelor's degree completion, graduate and seminary programs has long been part of the Christian mission of Fresno Pacific University," said President André Stephens, Ph.D. "Today's challenges require us to look at new ways of serving qualified students who traditionally have barriers to higher education so they can both enter and graduate from FPU."

Drake Levasheff

Drake Levasheff, Ph.D., began June 10 as associate provost of adult learning. He brings 18 years of higher education leadership to the service of adult learners. A qualified diversity ambassador and advocate of populations who have historically lacked access to higher education, Levasheff has changed the climate of the campuses he led as well as community organizations.

Levasheff's most recent position was senior director of the Orange County and Murrieta regional campuses of Azusa Pacific University, a fellow member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU). Before that he served as director of graduate and professional studies admissions at Vanguard University, also part of the CCCU.

He has a doctorate in the history of early Christianity from the University of California, Los Angeles; a Master of Arts in New Testament from Biola University; and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science from Biola University. He and wife Christine have two children. See more about Levasheff at his LinkedIn Profile (25) Drake Levasheff | LinkedIn

Norlan Hernández

Norlan Hernández, Ph.D., began July 22 as associate provost of engagement and inclusive teaching and learning. A dedicated leader with a proven track record in driving DEI initiatives in academics, business and the community, he is experienced in developing and executing successful strategies while fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and accountability.

Hernández comes to FPU from service as director of the Jesse Miranda Center for Hispanic Leadership at Vanguard University. He is also currently president and founder of Faithful Teachings, Inc. He has been director of online and graduate student success at Biola University and, outside higher education, held several positions at TeletracNavman, Inc., a telematics transportation and communication company.

He has a doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Biola University, a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Bachelor Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Los Angeles. Hernández is also pursuing a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine. He and wife Isabel have one daughter. See more about Hernández athis LinkedIn profile

Kerry Sue Brown

Kerry Sue Brown, Ph.D., began in January 2024 as associate provost for student success and retention. Since starting work at FPU in 2013, she has demonstrated complete commitment to helping students complete their degree.

Previously, Brown held positions in the Academic Success Center, from tutoring supervisor to academic support coordinator. Prior to being promoted to her current position, she served as director of student retention and persistence. She has also served on university committees to develop a summer bridge program for first-generation, Hispanic STEM majors as well as plan and implement strategies to promote student progress, promote and increase traditional undergraduate graduation rates and create a retention plan for those students. In addition, Brown has taught classes on succeeding in college to beginning students and mentored groups of freshmen.

She has a doctorate in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University, a Master of Arts in Psychology and a B.A. in English from FPU. She and husband Ken have five children. See more about Brown at linkedin.com/in/kerry-sue-brown-ph-d-19267661/

PHOTO (from left):Norlan Hernández, Kerry Sue Brown, Drake Levasheff (FPU photo)

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