Spotlight On: John Ripetoe
Adjunct Professor Brings Creativity, Community Commitment, and Linguistic Justice to AUHS
American University of Health Sciences is pleased to spotlight John Ripetoe, Adjunct Professor of General Education at AUHS.
A California native, Professor Ripetoe brings a strong academic background in English, psychology, rhetoric, and composition to his work with students. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from the University of California, Irvine, and a Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in Rhetoric and Composition from California State University, Long Beach.
Before joining AUHS this quarter, Professor Ripetoe served as an IB English instructor at AURA Academy. His work in education reflects a lifelong appreciation for learning, creativity, and service to the community.
“My family is the reason I am where I am today,” he shared. “My father consistently emphasized the importance of education and encouraged me to view learning as a pathway toward personal growth and new opportunities. At the same time, my aunt taught me to care for my artistic and creative side.”
Together, these influences helped him understand the importance of balancing academic achievement with creativity, self-expression, and personal well-being. His values were further shaped by family, faith, and upbringing.
“I was taught to work hard, prioritize education, remain creative, and trust in God’s timing,” he said. “These lessons have helped me approach both challenges and opportunities with patience and purpose.”
Professor Ripetoe’s decision to work with AUHS is closely connected to his commitment to local service. As a Long Beach resident, he is grateful for the opportunity to support students in the community he calls home.
“I am motivated to work at AUHS because I am deeply committed to serving my community,” he said. “Helping students develop their skills, build confidence, and excel academically allows me to contribute meaningfully to the community that I call home.”
Outside the classroom, Professor Ripetoe enjoys restoring classic cars. For him, the process is more than a hobby; it is a way of preserving history, character, and craftsmanship.
“There is something deeply rewarding about bringing these vehicles back to life while preserving their history and character,” he said.
His community commitment also extends to advocacy for Long Beach’s unhoused population. He supports members of the community by providing food and clothing and helping connect them with resources that can address both immediate and long-term needs.
Looking ahead, Professor Ripetoe has both personal and professional goals. In the short term, he hopes to finish restoring his 1964 Pontiac Tempest, get it back on the road, and take it for a cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway. In the long term, he intends to earn a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition and continue research in linguistic justice.
Through his teaching and scholarship, Professor Ripetoe hopes to advocate for more equitable approaches to language and help students recognize the value of their individual voices and linguistic identities.
“Above all, I believe that every experience contributes to our growth,” he said, “and that we are all exactly where we are meant to be at each stage of our lives.”
Professor Ripetoe’s work reflects the AUHS commitment to education, service, and community. Through his teaching, creativity, and advocacy, he brings a thoughtful and mission-aligned presence to the AUHS learning community.
