Apa Visinia, Jr. (’23, MBA ’25) is living out his purpose in a rewarding job that allows him to help those who are in the same situation he once experienced. He’s an academic advisor at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). It’s an ironic turn of events for the man who once thought he’d never return to college after attempting to earn a degree.
After high school, a football scholarship led Apa to the University of Kansas. Academic difficulties and stress took a toll, and 18 months later, he left in defeat.
“I was young and didn’t realize there were resources readily available to help,” he says.
With his family’s support, Apa stopped feeling sorry for himself, found work and forgot about higher education. A few years went by, and an MNU assistant coach who had been Apa’s teammate at KU encouraged him to try out for football at MNU.
“I thought, ‘maybe I should see if I can weather the storm this time,’” Apa remembers.
People Who Shaped Him
Enrolling at MNU in 2021, he played the position of offensive lineman for the Pioneers while taking coursework in education. At MNU, Apa encountered people who saw potential in him before he fully saw it in himself.
“Professors like Brad King, Chris Crawford, and Leigh Kreshel really helped shape me both academically and professionally,” he says. “MNU taught me that doing right by people and working hard will always pay off.”
Initially, Apa thought he would like to teach high school history, but as his interests and opportunities expanded, he changed his major to focus on health and exercise science.
After graduation, Apa received a job offer at a high school in the Kansas City area. It wasn’t long until he chose to return to MNU to earn a Master of Business Administration. For the student who thought he’d never return to school, a graduate degree now looked possible. “When I got to MNU, I was lost and didn’t know what to really do with my life,” he reflected. “Professor King was the encouraging voice that I needed to springboard me into the position I am in today.”
Called To Serve
Now advising students in the business and management program at UMKC, Apa not only assists with academics—he also serves as a mentor and advocate. In addition, he volunteers with Big Uce Youth, a nonprofit that supports at-risk youth. “Serving the next generation is very important to me,” he said.
Apa sees his work as more than a job—it’s a calling. “You never know what people are going through and what a simple conversation can do for someone. There’s beauty in the mundane and ordinary. Even in those moments, God reveals Himself.”
Grateful For the Journey
Looking back, Apa wishes he could reassure his younger self. “I would tell myself, ‘It’s all going to be okay,’” he said. “I think I stressed myself out so much about how life would be. Looking back at it, God came through for me. I couldn’t imagine a better outcome than this. I’m doing work that I love, I’m married to the woman of my dreams, and I have an eight-month-old son whom I love so much. God is good!”
Reflecting on his role now, Apa sees his life as part of a greater story. “It feels awesome! I feel like I’m doing meaningful work. It’s kind of like a ‘passing the flame’ moment. It all started with Professor King lighting my flame. My job is to ensure that I carry that flame to the next person in hopes that they do the same. That’s kingdom work.” When Apa speaks about the power of education and the impact of mentorship, it’s clear that the difference others made in his life continues to ripple outward, one student at a time. Read more profiles of purpose at mnu.edu/purposeful-lives.
