Join annual MLK event via live stream Monday

January 11th, 2021

The Chehalem Cultural Center is hosting the 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day event on Monday, Jan. 18. Several George Fox employees and students have been involved in the planning of this important event.

Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, this will be a fully live-streamed event. Details for connecting to the live stream will be posted to the MLK Day event web page. The pre-show music and slide show begins at 5:45 p.m., with the main program beginning at 6 p.m.

Go online early enough to ensure you have your live stream set up and working.

All are welcome to time of prayer via Zoom on Inauguration Day

January 11th, 2021

Students and employees are invited to join the university pastors on Zoom for a guided time of prayer the morning of the presidential inauguration on Wednesday, Jan. 20, between 8 and 8:30 a.m.

If you would like to join us for this virtual time of prayer, please fill out this form and we will send you the Zoom link. Please direct any questions to the Office for Spiritual Life at spirituallife@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2320.

Outdoor recreation rental center offering pick-up service

January 11th, 2021

The Hadlock Student Center’s outdoor equipment rental center is currently open for reservations and pick-ups! In the winter, the most popular rentals are snowshoes, trekking poles, gaiters, backpacks, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags.

Students, staff and faculty must reserve equipment online in advance and select a time and day they would like to check the equipment out and a time that they can bring it back.

The rental center is located in the Hadlock Student Center and is one of the services we are able to offer, uninterrupted, using this reservation system. Please note that the Hadlock Student Center is closed and that walk-in service is not an option during this time.

For rental center pricing and to make a reservation, please visit this webpage. Have questions? Please email studentcenter@georgefox.edu.

Join Thursday’s Zoom session to say farewell to Bryce Coefield

January 11th, 2021

Many of you know that Bryce Coefield recently transitioned to a new opportunity with the Oregon Department of Education. Please join us as we celebrate Bryce’s accomplishments and his contributions to our community during his time at George Fox!

We have set up a Zoom session from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, when you will have the opportunity to give words of affirmation and appreciation as well as prayers to encourage and bless Bryce and his family. Please RSVP at this link and you will receive a calendar invite with the Zoom link.

Questions? Contact Jenny Elsey (jelsey@georgefox.edu).

Comings and Goings

January 11th, 2021

Robyn Angelis joins the university this month as an access services specialist in the Murdock Library. She arrives from Marylhurst University, where she was an administrative assistant in the institution’s Shoen Library for a year until its closure. Before that, she worked for One Collective, a global nonprofit based in Elgin, Illinois, for whom she planned development projects for refugee populations in Crete, Greece. She also spent two tours as a volunteer supervisor and strategy consultant for the Crete for Life Charity in Crete. Robyn holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from George Fox. She lives in Beaverton with three grown children still in college, and attends both Southwest Bible Church and Westside: A Jesus Church while maintaining a Zoom relationship with the Evangelical Church of Heraklion, Greece.


The physician assistant program welcomes Tim Aylward as an assistant professor in the School of Medical Science this semester. For the past two years he has worked as the clinical director of Project Recovery, a center in Rapid City, South Dakota, specializing in providing evidence-based medication assistant treatment to patients with substance and alcohol abuse disorder. He also worked part time, from 2016 to 2019, as a physician assistant in urgent care at Regional Hospital in Rapid City. Previously, Tim embarked on his PA career with the U.S. Air Force, serving as a family medicine PA for airmen and their families in multiple locations (2012-18). He holds a master of physician assistant studies degree from Oregon Health & Science University (2012) and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Oregon State University (2007). He lives in Tigard with his wife Becca and their three daughters, Jane, Ruby and Lois. They attend Bridgetown in Portland.


Alumna Megan Bos returns to George Fox this month as a graduate admissions counselor for the MBA and DPT programs. For the past three years she has worked for Boys & Girls Aid in Portland, serving as the organization’s assistant director of development (2019 to present), as a development officer (2017-19), and as an administrative assistant (2017). This marks a return to George Fox for Megan, who worked as an assistant area coordinator (2016-17) and resident assistant (2014-16) at the university, from which she earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication in 2017. She lives in Tigard with three roommates and attends Colossae Church in Tigard.


Lexie Criscola has joined the university to work as an admissions specialist for the George Fox Honors Program. For the past year she worked as the marketing and events coordinator for the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, responsible for the farm’s social media initiatives and special events. Before that, she worked the summer of 2018 as the “hype person” for a traveling kids’ obstacle course mud run challenge. Lexie also worked as a property assistant in game day operations and client relations for IMG Oregon in 2018-19. She holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Oregon (2019). Lexie lives in Tualatin with five women her age and attends Westside: A Jesus Church in Tigard.


The university welcomes AJ Heil to serve as director of campus recreation. For the past four years he has worked as the outdoor pursuits program director at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he managed all aspects of a comprehensive outdoor recreation program for a student body of more than 25,000. He also gained experience in the field as a recreation specialist and employment coordinator (2015-16) for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Department of Recreational Sports. AJ also taught as an associate lecturer at UW-La Crosse (2015-16) on recreation theory and practices while he managed the university’s outdoor recreation program as a graduate assistant (2014-15). He earned both a master’s degree (2015) and bachelor’s degree (2014) in recreation management from UW-La Crosse, as well as a certificate in adventure education. In addition to his career in campus recreation, AJ has also served on staff for CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) as campus field staff and as a staff member of Lifelines, Cru’s outdoor ministry. AJ lives in Newberg with his wife, Katy, and is seeking to become more involved in the Newberg community and find a church in which to serve. The couple enjoys building relationships, learning new skills, and exploring God’s creation.


Elizabeth Upton joins the physician assistant program this semester as an assistant professor in the School of Medical Science. She arrives from Kaiser Permanente in Beaverton, where she worked as a physician assistant in family practice the past 15 years. Prior to that, she worked for two years as a PA for Pacific International Medical Maritime Services, doing clinical practice on maritime vessels in the Port of Portland and Vancouver. Elizabeth holds a master of medical science in physician assistant studies degree from Pacific University (2003) and a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Linfield College (2000). She lives in Sherwood with her husband Brian and their girls, Kassie and Bailey, and attends Countryside Community Church in Sherwood.


Kaitlyn Peitz (IDEA Center), Bryce Coefield (Intercultural Life), Janeen Dillow (Library) and Adam McGuffie (Seminary) are no longer with George Fox University.

Movers & Quakers

January 11th, 2021

Lauren Hill has transitioned to the position of assistant director of visitor experience.

About Our People

January 11th, 2021

Chengping Zhang (College of Business) coauthored an article with Jonathan Ramse, titled “Teaching Economics behind the COVID-19 Pandemic,” that was accepted for publication in the March 2021 issue of International Review of Economics Education. In the paper, Chengping and Jonathan show how economic instructors may use COVID-19-related events to teach some key economic principles and theories. The paper will foster reflection and discussion among economic instructors on how they may proactively connect what happens in the real world with what students learn in the classroom.

Ed Higgins (English Faculty Emeritus/Writer in Residence) published three poems – “I return,” “romantic love,” and “Christmas day” – in Volume 6, Issue 61, of the literary journal Failed haiku (A Journal of English Senryu) this month. Ed also published his poem “Winter Signs” in the Winter 2020 issue of the online journal Farmer-ish, and his piece “Sisyphus takes the day off” appeared in the Jan. 4 edition of the online journal Mediterranean Poetry.

After a six-year process, Jennie Harrop (SPS) was ordained as a Presbyterian pastor on Dec. 27, 2020. Harrop, who has a DMin from Portland Seminary in addition to a PhD in English and MFA in creative writing, is an associate professor and director of the School of Professional Studies. She also serves in a part-time capacity as solo pastor of Cedar Creek Church in Sherwood.

University seeking director of undergraduate admissions

January 10th, 2021

Are you a passionate and highly motivated leader interested in working in a fast-paced, innovative and collaborative work environment? Do you know someone who would be great in this role? The university’s admissions team is seeking such an individual to serve as director of undergraduate admissions!

The director will be called upon to successfully cast a vision, devise a strategy, and motivate our admissions team toward improving traditional undergraduate enrollment. He or she will oversee the entire recruitment process with a team of committed and vibrant professionals who have had a track record of success.

The ideal candidate will be ready to work with the team on engagement and sales techniques that move students toward enrollment and work with our visits and events team to create the best visit experience available to prospective students.

Interested? Know someone who would be great for this role? To learn more and apply, visit or send this link.

Faculty: Have library materials delivered to your Newberg campus office

January 10th, 2021

The library is pleased to deliver library material for participating faculty to their offices on the Newberg campus. All library material must be signed for by the faculty member or persons authorized to sign. Whether you have used this service in the past or are signing up for the first time, please fill out the request form.

Questions? Contact Patty Vanier at pvanier@georgefox.edu or ext. 2425.

Let alumni office know about alumni speakers in your classes

January 10th, 2021

Do you have alumni speaking in your classroom this semester? Are they popping into a Zoom session with students at any point this month? Are any alumni mentoring students through your department?

This year, the alumni office is tracking all alumni volunteerism! Please take a minute to send Sara Reamy, the director of alumni relations, an email with the alumni name and year of graduation. When you participate, alumni volunteers will be sent a small token of appreciation from the alumni office!

Thanks in advance for your help!

Sara Reamy
sreamy@georgefox.edu or alumni@georgefox.edu

Academic Resource Center: Help your students get off to a strong start

January 10th, 2021

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is here to help students with writing, study skills, test taking strategies, time management, and more. Here’s what you can do to help your students get off to a strong start:

  1. Before major papers are due
  2. Recommend academic coaching as a way to get support with accountability, time management, study skills, and more
  3. Consider requiring a visit to the ARC for one of your papers.

If you are requiring ARC appointments for your students, please email Julia James (jjames@georgefox.edu) to make sure the ARC schedule and consultants are prepared to meet your students’ needs!

If you have any questions, contact Julia James (jjames@georgefox.edu).

Apply ASAP for Bruin Athletics’ work-study positions

January 10th, 2021

Do you love sports? Do you have a passion for writing, photography, or video production?

If this sounds like you, the athletics department has multiple positions available for the spring 2021 season. We need student workers to act as staff writers, media production interns, and event photographers for a busy spring calendar.

Apply today on Handshake to be considered for our student worker team!

Bruin Community Pantry information for spring semester

January 10th, 2021

Please make note of the Bruin Community Pantry website for up-to-date hours of operation for the food bank.

We are hoping to be open on Tuesday, Jan. 19, with new hours that will be consistent throughout the spring semester. The hours currently posted on the website will end on Friday, Jan. 15.

Please check out the FAQs for more information about the food bank, and contact Jere Witherspoon if you have any questions or want to volunteer for the entire spring semester.

Feel free to email bruincommunitypantry@georgefox.edu or call 503-554-2316.

Parking waiver form available for commuters

January 10th, 2021

George Fox commuter students who do not plan to bring a vehicle to campus for the spring term can request an exemption from being automatically charged the parking permit fee by completing the parking waiver form, available on this page.

This form must be filled out no later than Jan. 31, 2021, in order to be considered. Please read the waiver form thoroughly as you fill it out.

By signing this form you agree that you will not bring a vehicle and park on George Fox’s Newberg campus or the surrounding Good Neighbor areas (as specified in the parking policies) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If your vehicle is found parked on campus during these times, the following will occur:

  • You will be automatically issued a parking permit, your waiver will be revoked, which will reinstate your permit fee, and you will be fined an additional $75 for parking an unregistered vehicle. These citations are not eligible to be appealed.
  • You will be required to pick up the permit from Campus Public Safety and an officer will assist you in the proper placement of the permit.

Note: There may be additional fines for any other violations according to the parking policies of the university.

Questions? Call our office at 503-554-2090 during business hours, or email Elrike Shaw at eshaw@georgefox.edu.

File FAFSA for next year’s financial aid

January 8th, 2021

Apply for next year’s financial aid by completing your 2021-22 FAFSA. Filing early is best, as some funds are limited. The 2021-22 FAFSA is needed if you plan to attend next year (fall 2021, spring 2022, and summer 2022).

One-on-one FAFSA help sessions are available. Schedule your personal session here.

Questions? Contact the financial aid office (finaid@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2302). Zoom and phone appointments are available here.

Academic mentors needed on Newberg campus this semester

January 7th, 2021

Learning Support Services is recruiting two or three graduate students to work as academic mentors for high-risk students on the Newberg campus during the spring 2021 semester.

Academic mentors generally work seven to 10 hours per week, and are paid current minimum wage. Students can find more details and application information on the HandShake position posting. The position is open to any George Fox graduate student. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Past academic mentors have commented on how much they grew through the experience, especially through their one-on-one sessions with high-risk students. The role is not a formal counseling role, but has similarities that can be especially helpful for graduate students who will be entering helping professions.

Please contact Rick Muthiah (rmuthiah@georgefox.edu) if you have questions.

Apply ASAP for web design intern position in marketing communications office

January 7th, 2021

Do you love puzzling things together? Are you detail oriented and creative? George Fox’s marketing communications team is seeking a web design intern to build out and update web pages, images, and more – all using HTML and CSS.

If you’re interested in working in the web field, this internship will give you essential hands-on experience in the basics of web design. Anyone interested in working on websites – either designing or optimizing user experience – is encouraged to apply!

This is only a semester-long internship, so apply ASAP to get your foot in the door. We look forward to hearing from you! You can apply here. We’re accepting applications through Jan. 19.

Questions? Contact Missy Downs at mdowns@georgefox.edu.

Academic Resource Center: Help your students get off to a strong start

January 6th, 2021

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is here to help students with writing, study skills, test taking strategies, time management, and more. Here’s what you can do to help your students get off to a strong start:

  1. Before major papers are due
  2. Recommend academic coaching as a way to get support with accountability, time management, study skills, and more
  3. Consider requiring a visit to the ARC for one of your papers.

If you are requiring ARC appointments for your students, please email Julia James (jjames@georgefox.edu) to make sure the ARC schedule and consultants are prepared to meet your students’ needs!

If you have any questions, contact Julia James (jjames@georgefox.edu).

Join Zoom session to say farewell to Bryce Coefield

January 6th, 2021

Many of you know that Bryce Coefield recently transitioned to a new opportunity with the Oregon Department of Education. Please join us as we celebrate Bryce’s accomplishments and his contributions to our community during his time at George Fox!

We have set up a Zoom session from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14, when you will have the opportunity to give words of affirmation and appreciation as well as prayers to encourage and bless Bryce and his family. Please RSVP at this link and you will receive a calendar invite with the Zoom link.

Questions? Contact Jenny Elsey (jelsey@georgefox.edu).

Parking waiver form available for commuters

January 6th, 2021

George Fox commuter students who do not plan to bring a vehicle to campus for the spring term can request an exemption from being automatically charged the parking permit fee by completing the parking waiver form, available on this page.

This form must be filled out no later than Jan. 31, 2021, in order to be considered. Please read the waiver form thoroughly as you fill it out.

By signing this form you agree that you will not bring a vehicle and park on George Fox’s Newberg campus or the surrounding Good Neighbor areas (as specified in the parking policies) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If your vehicle is found parked on campus during these times, the following will occur:

  • You will be automatically issued a parking permit, your waiver will be revoked, which will reinstate your permit fee, and you will be fined an additional $75 for parking an unregistered vehicle. These citations are not eligible to be appealed.
  • You will be required to pick up the permit from Campus Public Safety and an officer will assist you in the proper placement of the permit.

Note: There may be additional fines for any other violations according to the parking policies of the university.

Questions? Call our office at 503-554-2090 during business hours, or email Elrike Shaw at eshaw@georgefox.edu.