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Biography - Jan Spencer

Jan came to APUS in Spring of 2011 as his wife was finishing her Master’s Degree at APUS in American History. He began college and university teaching in 1997 and online since 2004 in the areas of biblical studies, hermeneutics, and leadership. However, his primary teaching role continues to be connected with his tenure in the senior pastorate since 1976, and as superintendent of several other churches in his vicinity where he focuses on developing leaders.
In 2006 he began a journey to transition into more of a research and professorial role, and so he completed a PhD in Organizational Leadership that allows him to focus on leadership theory and development, organizational dynamics, and human behavior in organizations. He also continues to conduct research into what he terms “vision conflict,” which is “the disparity between what a person expects to take place in their work as a leader versus what actually takes place.” The initial findings with this research suggests that prospective leaders need adequate training as to what they should expect in the experience of leadership in their sector so that they will be less likely to exit their role for the wrong reasons. The February 2012 issue of Pastoral Psychology contains his recent collaborative research into vision conflict: “Predicting the level of pastors’ risk of termination/exit from the church.”
Jan accepted a fulltime role at APUS at the start of 2012 in the Management Department and enjoys working with students for the purpose of preparing them to lead effectively. This has become a way to continue his life-long call to leadership. Along the course of his journey he nearly completed a degree in instrumental performance with woodwinds and continues to enjoy music (especially jazz and classical). He also enjoys model trains, soccer, and going places with his wife.