ɬÀï·¬

News

What’s happening at SPU? This is where you’ll find the latest news about research, events, activities, achievements, and milestones in the life of SPU and its ɬÀï·¬.



  • May 13, 2026

    Professor of Art Katie Kresser was a featured guest on the Faith and Imagination, an ecumenical podcast that explores the intersection of culture and spirituality. On the podcast, Kresse discusses her forthcoming book, "Church Beautiful: Sacred Art and Spiritual Healing." .

  • Students in the Public Policy and Administration class recently met with the Mayor of Federal Way.

    May 13, 2026

    Mohammad Qadam Shah, assistant professor of law and politics, and students in his POL 4000 Public Policy & Administration class recently met with Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell. The mayor shared his academic and professional journey with students and explained how local government and intergovernmental relations work. The students asked about specific local and national political and policy related matters.

  • May 13, 2026

    The SPU Art Department is pleased to present the second of its 2026 Senior Exhibitions in Studio Art titled, ABIDE. This culmination of study features individual projects by Avery Elliott, Rhiannon Kuns, Madison Porter, and Racquel Wesley. This exhibition features oil and acrylic paintings. In thematic exploration, this set of deeply introspective projects wrestle with personal identity, theological inquiry, loss, and grief, and the beauty of God’s creation.

    We hope you can take a moment to drop into the Art Center to experience these works and enjoy a moment of rest and reflection.

  • Learn about two new programs that let you get a bachelor's and master's degree in only five years.

    May 13, 2026

    Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time through ɬÀï·¬’s accelerated 4+1 pathways. Designed for motivated students, these programs allow you to begin graduate coursework during your senior year and complete your master’s degree with just one additional year of study. You’ll save time, reduce overall tuition costs, and graduate with advanced credentials that prepare you for leadership and in-demand careers.

  • This annual event showcases research contributions students are making in the fields of biology, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, engineering, health and human performance, mathematics, physics and sociology.

    May 6, 2026

    For 24 years, the Erickson conference has showcased the outstanding research and design contributions our students are making in the fields of Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Health and Human Performance, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and Sociology.

    Student presentations range from single quarter classroom-based original research projects to summative multi-year independent research programs and engineering design projects. Please join us in this celebration of students' projects and support your friends as they present the findings of their individual projects.

  • Alumnus David J. McIntyre Jr., president and chief executive officer of TriWest Healthcare Alliance, is this year's Undergraduate Commencement speaker.

    Apr 30, 2026

    Alumnus David J. McIntyre Jr., president and chief executive officer of TriWest Healthcare Alliance, is the ɬÀï·¬'s 2026 Undergraduate Commencement speaker. He has 40 years of experience, success, and accomplishments in national health care policy development, business development, and leadership across government and private sectors. McIntyre is guided by a commitment to live out his faith through service to others.

  • Here's everything you need to know about Undergraduate and Graduate Commencements, Ivy Cutting, and other year-end events.

    Apr 28, 2026

    The 2026 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 1 p.m., at in Everett. Ivy Cutting and Graduate Commencement will be held on campus, Friday, June 6.

    Learn more on the 2026 Commencement website.

  • Apr 23, 2026

    The SPU Ethics Bowl Team placed fifth in the nation at the National Bioethics Bowl held at the University of Pittsburg in April. This was the team’s first time competing in the annual competition, which brings together undergraduate teams from colleges and universities around the country to debate ethical issues in medicine, biotechnology, and health care. The six-member student team also placed fifth in the northwest region Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl.

  • Check out these Summer and September Sessions for undergraduates and graduates. Take charge of your degree and graduate sooner!

    Apr 22, 2026

    While Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters last about 10 weeks at ɬÀï·¬ Pacific, Summer Sessions are two to eight weeks long — allowing you to earn credits during the summer, take charge of your degree, and graduate sooner. September Session provides an opportunity for students to enroll in unique or specialty courses, including short-term study abroad Global Seminars.

    Check out the 2026 Summer and September Sessions for undergraduates and graduates.

  • "Kindling the Wesleyan Heritage for Renewal Today" with special guest Lo Alaman is the topic of the next ɬÀï·¬ Pacific Seminary event on May 12.

    Apr 22, 2026

    Please join the ɬÀï·¬ Pacific Seminary for the annual Paul T. Walls Lecture on Tuesday May 12, 7 p.m., in Upper Gwinn Commons at ɬÀï·¬. The speakers will be Walls Professor of Wesleyan Studies Doug Strong, Associate Professor of Worship and Historical Theology Dr. Matthew Sigler, and artist, apeaker, minister, and poet, Lo Alaman. They will present the lecture “A Spark of Grace: Kindling the Wesleyan Heritage for Renewal Today.”

    This event requires no registration, is wheelchair accessible, and is free.

Holistic Health Care in the Rainier Valley

Dr. Christopher Jones ’94 hopes the families in his medical practice never need to ask: “Is my kid sick enough that I should pay for a doctor’s visit?” Medical director of HopeCentral, a nonprofit health center, he and his team have adapted the concept of concierge medicine to a diverse ɬÀï·¬ neighborhood.

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Leland Saunders

What Makes Us Moral?

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Leland Saunders earned a $10,100 Graves Award in Humanities for his research project, “The Structure of Moral Judgement: Philosophical Perspectives.” His research responds to recent arguments that human beings’ concepts of morality are just a quirk of evolution and don't connect to anything deeper.