Dr. Remi Lawanson to be Honored Professor Emeritus Award upon Retirement

SAN DIMAS, Calif. – LPU proudly announces the recognition of Dr. Remi Lawanson with the prestigious Professor Emeritus Award, in acknowledgement of his outstanding contributions and academic leadership. The unanimous decision by the LPU Board of Trustees is testament to his character and exemplary dedication to leading and teaching. He will be awarded at Commencement held on May 11, 2024.


Dr. Lawanson will retire after twelve years of dedicated service to LPU, leaving behind a legacy of transformative leadership.

Since joining LPU in 2012, Dr. Lawanson has exemplified exceptional leadership skills and a profound commitment to empowering leaders to reach their full potential. As the Associate Dean for Leadership Studies and Director of the MA in Strategic Leadership (MASL) program, Dr. Lawanson's visionary approach has redefined leadership education, turning the MASL program into a thriving hub for leadership development.


Among Dr. Lawanson's numerous achievements is the establishment of regional cohorts in collaboration with district supervisors of the Foursquare Church. These partnerships have opened doors for leaders from diverse backgrounds to access the MASL program and enhance their leadership skills. Dr. Lawanson's ability to connect with individuals from different cultural backgrounds has fostered an inclusive and enriching learning environment within the program.


"We celebrate and honor Dr. Remi Lawanson for his significant contributions to LPU as the Associate Dean for Leadership Studies and Director of the MA in Strategic Leadership program," stated Dr. Angie Richey, President of LPU. "Serving alongside Dr. Remi has been one of the highlights of my career in higher education; his impact on LPU and the countless students is immeasurable."


Under Dr. Lawanson's leadership, the MASL program has flourished and gained recognition for its excellence and practicality. Through innovative teaching methods and strategic curriculum development, Dr. Lawanson has equipped students with the tools needed to excel in their respective leadership roles.


Dr. Lawanson's unwavering commitment to academic rigor and his passion for empowering leaders have elevated the MASL program, positioning it as a premier choice for individuals seeking to enhance their leadership skills.


There is more good news. As Dr. Lawanson embarks on his well-deserved retirement, he will continue to teach as an Adjunct Professor for the culminating MASL Capstone course. His legacy of transformative leadership and dedication to academic excellence will continue to inspire future leaders.


Learn more about LPU's Master's in Strategic Leadership Program here.

For more information about LPU and its programs, click here.

Commendations for Dr. Lawanson

Iron Will and Inner Harmony

Dr. Lawanson is an untiring worker. The word unrelenting comes to mind! Yet somehow, he exudes patience, kindness, and generosity. His palpable sense of peace impacts everyone in his world. It is this iron will and inner harmony that make him such a giant of a soul. Dr. Sam Rockwell, Author, MASL Faculty


Great Wisdom

Dr. Remi Lawanson is a man of not only great knowledge but also great wisdom. He is an invaluable asset to our LPU community. I am grateful for all he contributes and am honored to work with someone of such high caliber. I honor him as he steps up into this new rank at LPU! Dr. Jeff Tolle, Dean of Ministry and Theology


Role Model

Dr. Lawanson has modeled for years the ideal scholar/pastor. His deep love of Scripture, theology, and the church are notable by everyone around him. But this is combined by an enduring love for the Spirit and the church. He has shown us how to think well and be a Pentecostal. Dr. A.J. Swoboda, Author, MASL Faculty


Quiet Genius

Dr Remi is a quiet genius, carefully guiding those whom he oversees to be the best that they can be without ever calling attention to himself. Such leaders are rare indeed.

Dr. Clayton Robinson, MASL Faculty


Extraordinary

Dr. Remi Lawanson is an extraordinary man who has given his life to service in the Kingdom of God by serving students, particularly in the MASL program, an innovative and highly successful graduate degree for strategic leadership. For many years it has been my pleasure to serve either as Dr. Lawanson's boss or as his subordinate. I am truly blessed to have served in both of these roles, and enjoyed the opportunity to observe Remi as he inspires, leads, and encourages men and women to achieve their big dream of a graduate degree, while at the same time empowering people to make a difference in this world as strategic leaders. I am a better person because of my friendship and professional collaboration with Remi Lawanson. Dr. Jim J. Adams, LPU's 10th President, MASL Faculty


Foundational

Dr. Remi has been part of the foundation for our MASL program and an acknowledged scholar in his field. His passion for Jesus, the church, and students was contagious. We will find it difficult to fill his place as he did all things well. Bless you on your retirement journey. Dr. Dan Stewart, Professor Emeritus and LPU's 8th President


Prophetic Insight

Dr. Remi is a grace-filled encourager. During my time in MASL, he poured out strength and kindness consistently, insightfully, with the weight of God’s voice in his words. The coupling of his wisdom and care are unmatched. It has been my experience that Dr. Remi views people and situations with a prophetic insight that cultivates the direction the Lord is leading. His guidance was instrumental in my MASL and ministry journeys and I am deeply grateful for his voice. Thank you, Dr. Remi, for seeing the best in everyone and calling the gifts of God in so many of us, out into the light. Jenna Livingston, MASL Alumna, Credentials Team Leader, Leader Health and Development


Excellence and Care

I had the privilege of being in the MASL under Dr. Remi’s leadership. Dr. Remi stewarded his role as chair of the MASL with excellence and humility. In addition to Remi’s concern that his students would excel, he also cared for my family. He often asked me about the well-being of my family, stating that he prayed for us. Not only did Remi have a deep understanding of leadership, but he also lived and led with the heart of a servant. His commitment to Jesus and his care for those he served, was evident to those who had the privilege of knowing him. Congratulations, Dr. Remi Lawanson.  Dr. Dan Mundt, Director of Leader Health and Development

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Life Pacific University, located in San Dimas, California and Christiansburg, Virginia is an institution of biblical higher education existing for the transformational development of students into leaders prepared to serve God in the Church, the workplace, and the world. LPU is WSCUC and ABHE accredited and is a member of the NAIA and GSAC. Learn more at lifepacific.edu.