Who We Are
Josh Harrison- Coordinator of Global Initiatives
jharrison@vanguard.edu 714.556.3610 ext: 4910
Josh Harrison is the Coordinator of Global Initiatives for the Office of Diversity Programming and Mobilization. His role is to direct all short and long term overseas mission trips and Vanguard’s Mexico Outreach program. He also connects students with outside mission organizations and manages Vanguard's annual Missions Week.
Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Vanguard University and Master of Studies degree in Jewish Studies from the University of Oxford. Additionally, he is currently finishing a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Vanguard University.
After graduating from Vanguard University in 1999, Josh immediately accepted a position in the Information Technology department at Vanguard and shortly thereafter, married his wife, Heather Stephens (Class of ’99). In the spring of 2003, Josh became involved with the Office of Diversity Programming and Mobilization and through the annual Hands Across the Border Mexico outreach where he was profoundly impacted by the privilege and responsibility of being an active participant in the work of God’s Kingdom on earth. Since then, he has taken every possible opportunity to work with Vanguard’s Global Initiatives by continuing his involvement with HATB, leading a team to Machava, Mozambique in the summer of 2006, and participating in the annual City Serve community integration program. Josh and his wife Heather live in Costa Mesa with their two little girls, Marta (3) and Bizunesh (6), whom they recently adopted from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
As the Coordinator of Global Initiatives, Josh will encourage the students, staff, and faculty of Vanguard University to pursue true Christian service, incorporating the ideals of Christ-like servanthood into every aspect of their lives, living as world-Christians in any context, whether at home or abroad. Matthew 5:13-16, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Megan McDanel- Coordinator of Community Integration
megan.mcdanel@vanguard.edu 714.556.3610 ext: 4905
Megan McDanel is the Coordinator of Community Integration for the Office of Diversity Programming and Mobilization and Spiritual Formation. Her role in the department is to oversee all local and domestic outreach programs, including City Serve, the Children’s Christmas Party, San Francisco Outreach as well as Chapel Accountability, Small Groups, and Diversity support, awareness, and opportunities.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Anderson University and a Master of Educational Leadership degree from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Additionally, she is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Intercultural Studies.
After graduating from Anderson University in 2000, Megan immediately accepted a position teaching 5th grade in Charlotte, NC. After four years of teaching in the public school setting, Megan answered the call to full time global outreach. She worked among university students in New Delhi, India while studying language and culture. While oversees, she hosted several short-term university outreach teams from across the United States. She loved helping American students expand their worldview and become aware of global issues. After completing her two year missions term, she moved to Southern California where she served as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Global Mobilization at California Baptist University. Megan believes that outreach is not just a trip, rather, a way of life. It is her passion to mobilize and train students to get involved both locally and globally.
As the Coordinator of Community Integration, Megan will encourage the students, staff, and faculty of Vanguard University to pursue a life characterized by service, and worthy of the calling they have received. (Ephesians 4:1)