FRESNO - Key Persons

Dr. André Stephens has 30 years of experience in Christian higher education in California, most recently as vice president for student development at Biola University. As president of FPU, he works tirelessly to provide students with meaningful learning experiences that foster Christian character and make inspirational futures possible. Dr. André Stephens has 30 years of experience in Christian higher education in California, most recently as vice president for student development at Biola University, a post to which he was appointed in 2016. Serving in this cabinet-level role, he led a team that provided authentic, meaningful learning experiences to foster the Christian character of students through areas such as spiritual development and chapel programs, athletics, new student orientation and community life, comprising the offices of Housing and Residence Life, Student Care, Global Student Programs and Development, Commuter Life, Campus Engagement, the Student Health Center, the Learning Center and Student Government. Before moving into the vice presidency, Stephens was associate vice president of university admissions. A member of Biola's enrollment management team since 1991, he started as an admissions counselor and was promoted into increasing roles of responsibility and leadership. During his tenure in admissions, Stephens was sponsored for participation in Harvard's Institute for Educational Management. Under his leadership, Biola saw 12 consecutive years of enrollment growth. Stephens completed his B.A. in Communication with a public relations emphasis from Biola, his M.A. in Speech Communication with an emphasis in intercultural/interpersonal communication from California State University at Fullerton and his Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in higher education administration/student affairs from Claremont Graduate University.

Dr. Kizzy Lopez

Job Titles:

Assistant Professor in Social Work
Co - Publishes Article on COVID Impact on Students With Foster Care Experience

Dr. Kizzy Lopez is an Assistant Professor in Social Work. She has 15 years of experience in academic and student affairs as an advocate for educational equity for minoritized students, particularly those who have experienced foster care. Dr. Lopez is a speaker on educational equity and foster care. She is a TEDx speaker on the topic, The Trauma of Being Black in Foster Care. Dr. Lopez has recently co-authored publications focused on strategies to support college-going foster youth, including Transitional-Age Foster Youth: Getting Them Into and Through College and Fostering Success: Supporting College-Going Foster Youth on Campus. She has been previously recognized for her contributions and received Fresno's Heroes Unmasked Award, Rosa Parks Award, Child Advocacy Award, and Diversity and Social Justice Advocate Award. Kizzy Lopez speaks on foster youth education and empowerment Kizzy Lopez co-publishes article on COVID impact on students with foster care experience