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 .



  • A new book by professors Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen studies the biblical call to “love your neighbor” and how you can build meaningful connections.

    Dec 3, 2025

    A new book by professors Katherine Douglass and Brittany Tausen titled, , is now available. The biblical call to “love your neighbor” echoes through centuries, yet remains one of Christianity’s most profound ― and challenging ― practices. In this innovative synthesis of practical theology and psychological science, Douglass and Tausen bring ancient wisdom from Scripture and cutting-edge research into a conversation that can revolutionize how you build meaningful connections.

  • Pacific has been awarded a grant from the Washington Student Achievement Council to enhance training resources for the nursing program.

    Dec 2, 2025

    has been awarded a $105,231 Nursing Simulation Grant from the Washington Student Achievement Council. These funds will support the continued modernization of SPU’s nursing simulation lab, enhancing training resources for the growing and dynamic nursing program. This competitive grant was made possible through funding from the Washington State Achievement Council to expand nursing education capacity at both public and private universities across the state. These grant funds provide new and upgraded equipment for the expansion of our nursing simulation lab.

  • 2023-25 was marked by renewal, resilience, and a recommitment to SPU's distinct mission to engage the culture and change the world for Jesus Christ. Review the highlights.

    Dec 2, 2025

    Amid a rapidly changing landscape for higher education, has experienced tangible signs of God's presence and provision.

    2023–25 was marked by renewal, resilience, and a recommitment to SPU's distinct mission to engage the culture and change the world for Jesus Christ.

    We invite you to review the highlights of these past two years.

  • Dec 2, 2025

    Professor of Biblical Studies Sara Koenig's book , was published by Eerdmans Press. This book explores the various and varied ways the Ten Commandments have been understood and interpreted over the centuries.

  • Nov 22, 2025

    As an oldest daughter and a first-generation college student with close ties to her family, Sarai Jimenez-Juarez ’28 was raised by a single mom and grandmother who supported her dreams.

    “I saw firsthand their hard work and sacrifices they made to raise me to become a person full of determination and purpose,” Jimenez-Juarez says. “Their strength continues to be my biggest encouragement to succeed and to pursue the opportunities they never had.”

  • Nov 19, 2025

    For the first time in her career, women’s cross country standout Maya Ewing will compete at the NCAA Cross Country National Championships on Nov. 22 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Ewing has had a strong 2025 season for the Falcons. It started when she won the Green River Invitational on Sept. 13. Ewing posted a 13:42.4 over the 4,000-meter course. Two weeks later at the Mike Johnson Classic, Ewing was the top D2 finisher in the race. Ewing clocked an impressive time of 20:55.60 over the 6,000-meter course.

  • Nov 13, 2025

    The men's soccer team has qualified for the NCAA Tournament with an at-large bid, and will make the program's 37th national tournament appearance on Nov. 22 against Midwestern State at 1 p.m. PST in Wichita Falls, Texas.

  • Nov 13, 2025

    Alumnus Jay Morgensen's scholarship endowment provides tuition assistance for female undergraduates currently or recently from China or Southeast Asia. Morgensen’s first scholarship was awarded in 2014; 13 students have been awarded his eponymous scholarship so far.

  • Nov 7, 2025

    , comes to campus for a special presentation to share his life’s journey as a visually impaired artist. The event is 4-6 p.m. in McKinley Hall on campus and free and open to the public.

  • Oct 31, 2025

    The Great Northwest Athletic Conference recently announced its women's volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer All-Academic teams, which include 30 Falcon athletes!

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 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.