ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ

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 people.



  • Dr. John M. Perkins, one of the leading evangelical voices to emerge from the American civil rights movement and co-founder of SPU's John Perkins Center, died on March 13, 2026.

    Mar 13, 2026

    Dr. John M. Perkins, one of the leading evangelical voices to emerge from the American civil rights movement and co-founder of ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ's John Perkins Center, died on March 13, 2026. 

    In 2004, President Emeritus Philip Eaton partnered with Perkins to launch the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership Training, and Community Development (JPC) at ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ, the first on a college campus. Now named the John and Vera Mae Perkins Resource Center, the work and partnership have evolved over time. SPU continues to value the Center as a vital resource for advancing reconciliation and Christian leadership.

  • Mar 10, 2026

    "It is helpful to regularly ask, Who is missing from our definition of neighbor? or Who is absent from our gatherings? Such honest questions help reveal who may not feel seen as a 'neighbor to be loved.' These reflections can open the door to more meaningful intergroup contact where individuals engage with one another and work towards common goals across difference."

    For an article in Psychology Today, SPU Psychology Professor Paul Youngbin Kim interviews Katie Douglass, SPU associate professor of educational ministry and practical theology, and Brittany Tausen, assistant professor of social posychology at Baylor University, about their new book,

  • Mar 9, 2026

    ºù«ÍÞÊÓÆµ women’s track & field standout and two-time Great Northwest Athletic Conference Champion in the 60-meter hurdles Hannah Chang qualified for the NCAA Indoor National Championships in Virginia Beach, March 13 and 14. 

  • Mar 9, 2026

    In SPU’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, alumna Deidre Smith found an environment that aligned with her values of integrating academic excellence with faith, service, and cultural engagement.

  • Mar 4, 2026

    The men's basketball team will play in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference championships opening round on Thursday, March 5, on the campus of Western Washington in Bellingham, Washington.

  • Don't miss an evening of music performed by student ensembles on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m.

    Feb 25, 2026

    Join music faculty Dr. Ryan Ellis and Dr. Hsuan Lee for an evening of music performed by student ensembles on Thursday, March 5, 7:30 p.m. in First Free Methodist Church.

  • The Percussion Ensemble concert on Tuesday, March 3, will feature works by Patrick Speranza, J.S. Bach, Paul Bissell, and tradition Afro-Cuban drumming

    Feb 25, 2026

    SPU's Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dan Adams, will present their winter concert on Tuesday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. in the E.E.Bach Theater in McKinley Hall.

  • In 1995, Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke to an overflowing community chapel at Seattle Pacific.

    Feb 20, 2026

    In March 1995, Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke to an overflowing community chapel at Seattle Pacific. In his ending prayer, he left us this charge. "Bless this school. Those who dare do your Word. We really want to see thee more clearly, and love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly. And leave here celebrating your family of human beings.”

    Listen to his full speech at .

  • Two professors received a Developing Educators Workforce grant to support new teachers.

    Feb 19, 2026

    Two professors in the Division of Education have been awarded a Developing Educators Workforce state grant to support ten educators each year from the Kent and Issaquah school districts in earning their teacher certification.

  • Feb 12, 2026

    The Great Northwest Athletic Conference recently announced its men's and women's baskeball  All-Academic teams, which include 14 Falcon athletes. To qualify for Academic All-Conference, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.20, be in their second season or later competing for their team and have competed on the court during the 2025-26 season.

    SPU put eight players on the Men's Basketball All-Academic Team, the most since the 2017-18 season, and led the team elections.

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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 Seattle 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.