JPCatholic Announces Appointment of Four New Academic Chairs
September 22, 2025
John Paul the Great Catholic University is pleased to announce the appointment of four new academic chairs beginning this fall, along with two senior administrative changes.
Megan Jauregui Eccles, Chair of Creative Writing
Megan holds a BA in Music from the University of San Diego and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of California Riverside-Palm Desert. She writes speculative fiction for young adults and is represented by Laura Galit of LKG Agency. Her writing has appeared in Kelp Journal, Coachella Review, Ladies of the Fright, The Lineup, and Dwarf+Giant. She is editorial assistant and social media manager for Hill Nadell Literary Agency. Her fantasy novel Sing the Night will be released by Grand Central Publishing in February 2026.
Christopher Lis, Chair of Business
Lis offers a multidisciplinary perspective on business, with three graduate degrees including an MPA from CSU Long Beach, an MSc in Political Economy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and an MBA from Claremont Graduate University, where he is currently completing a PhD in public policy. Chris is a certified Capital Markets & Securities Analyst (CMSA©) and Financial Planning & Wealth Management Professional (FPWMP™). He is the founder of Fox Wealth Strategies, a registered investment adviser (RIA) where he works as a certified investment adviser representative (IAR).
Justin Panlasigui, Chair of Theology
Panlasigui brings a distinctive blend of theological scholarship, creative industry experience, and parish ministry to his new role. He holds a BS in Media Art and Animation from the Art Institute of California – San Diego, an MA in Biblical Theology from JPCatholic, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Applied Theology at St. Leo University. Justin's professional background at the intersection of parish ministry, creativity, and business uniquely positions him to prepare our students for the challenges of the New Evangelization. In addition to his role as a parish catechist, Justin has served as both a marketing director and digital content creator. Panlasigui is also a professed Brother of Penance, passionate about Franciscan spirituality and the New Evangelization.
George Simon, Chair of Film
Simon holds a BS in Communications and an MBA in Producing from JPCatholic. He founded the University’s Feature Film Program in 2021, and co-directed its most recent project Pickle for Pickleball. His feature comedy Don’t Get Eaten (produced by wife and fellow faculty Melinda Simon) was released in March 2025 on major streaming platforms. Additional credits include O, Brawling Love! and No Reception for JPCatholic's Feature Film Program; “Almost Home”, an award winning short from the 8Beats Anthology; and “The Scar”, a high-concept fantasy epic.
Prof. Eleazar Palma will return as Dean of Students. In addition, he will lead an effort to build a new institutional competency on the role of Beauty in the Creative Arts and its dissemination broadly outside the University.
Prof. Taylor Williams will become our new Director of Accreditation & Assessment, alongside his role as writing professor.
“These appointments mark an exciting chapter for JPCatholic,” said President Derry Connolly. “These individuals all bring professional excellence and deep commitment to our mission of forming students who will impact culture for Christ.”
JPCatholic will immediately begin a national search for a Chief Academic Officer, who can help navigate JPCatholic’s next decade of academic strategy and the emerging impact of AI.
For more information about our faculty and academic programs, visit jpcatholic.edu/academics