School of Professional Studies - William Jessup University

2010-2011
Faculty
The faculty at WJU are committed to God, the mission of the University, academic excellence, and our students. Excellence in
teaching and personal interaction with the students are the two main priorities of the faculty. The student-teacher ratio at WJU is
12:1, which allows professors the opportunity to know their students on a personal level. Interaction with students outside of the
classroom is not something that just happens to occur, but is purposefully initiated and enjoyed
Full-Time Faculty
Professors
Les Christie
(1993) Chair, Youth Ministry
Pacific Christian College, BS, 1971; Fuller Theological Seminary, MA, 1974; Trinity International
University, D.Min., 2002.
Les has been in youth ministry for 40+ years, serving at Eastside Christian Church in Fullerton,
CA for 22 years. He has spoken in 48 states, 13 foreign countries, and at more than twenty-five
Christian colleges, seminaries and universities. Les has lead seminars at the Youth Specialties
National Youth Workers Convention every year since 1980. He has been a member of Youth
Specialties Resource Seminar (CORE) for 11 years and is a team member for “Understanding
Your Teenager” leading parenting seminars all over the country. He also teaches at Western
Seminary, Sacramento campus.
Les has had over 150 articles printed in national magazines. He has written 15 books (What
If...?, Have You Ever...?, Unfinished Sentences and Best Ever Games For Youth Ministry, and
Awaken Your Creativity) and co-authored an additional 10 books. He is listed in Who’s Who in
Religion (1992), Who’s Who in America (1992), and Who’s Who Among American Teachers
(2002 and 2004).
Merilyn Copland
(1997) Old Testament (1999)
San Francisco State University, BA, 1968; MA, 1973; Institute Holy Land Studies (Israel), MA,
1982; University of California at Berkeley, Ph.D., 1992.
Merilyn Copland really “digs” what she does–literally. As an archaeologist, she has spent a lot
of time in Israel excavating at archaeological sites and gaining a different perspective on the
world of the Bible and the land where Jesus lived. She brings to her teaching of Old Testament,
archaeology, and Hebrew the excitement of discovering “buried treasures” in God’s Word and
their relevance for Christian life and ministry today.
Merilyn taught at several colleges, universities and seminaries before coming to William Jessup
University. She has written articles for magazines and journals and co-authored a book,
Hindsight Tour Guide. She appeared on the Day of Discovery television series on Revelation
and has spoken at retreats across the U.S. She was named to the Who’s Who Among
American Teachers (2002).
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