Pacific Lutheran University

PLU kinesiology professor Colleen Hacker has been recognized as one of 26 women featured in the new #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit: Game Changers, an international exhibition celebrating women whose work demonstrates how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are transforming sports. The exhibit debuted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival™ in Dallas and features life-sized, 3D-printed statues of leaders whose work is inspiring the next generation of women in STEM.

Image: Economics major and student advocate Ava Foley. (PLU Photo / Tina Gianoulas) June 2, 2026 “I don’t want to peak in any era of my life. But if I do, hopefully it’s in my 80s.” It’s a perspective that leaves room to try things, change direction, and not rush toward a single definition of success – something economics major Ava Foley ’26 has done throughout her time at PLU. A big example of this exploratory approach? Ava didn’t plan to study economics.

The Pacific Lutheran University community recently welcomed Dr. Woojun Lee as the new dean of the School of Business. Lee, a distinguished scholar and academic leader, joins PLU from Wilkes University’s Sidhu School of Business & Leadership, where he most recently served as Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Programs. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Woojun Lee as the next Dean of the School of Business,” said Cameron Bennett, Dean of the College of Professional Studies.

History is about more than what happened; it’s about what still shapes us. For history grad Katlyne Smith ’25, that understanding started close to home. “Growing up in Tacoma, I observed the importance of engaging with and learning from people whose experience and viewpoints differ from my own.” This perspective carries through her work as a historian and future educator.

Image: Calvin Fish poses for his Senior Spotlight portrait, Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at PLU. (PLU Photo / Sy Bean) May 26, 2026 Calvin Fisk ’26 doesn’t talk about the environment as something separate from daily life. For him, it’s embedded in the systems people build, and it’s often overlooked. An earth science major with a minor in environmental studies, Fisk has spent his time at PLU learning to read the physical and human sides of environmental problems.

May 12, 2026 Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) has officially launched its Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCY), a rigorous graduate program designed to meet growing demand for skilled digital defenders. ​​The need for cybersecurity professionals is rising rapidly as organizations and businesses across every sector work to protect critical digital systems, sensitive data, and essential infrastructure.

Ashawnaleigh Bicoy’s home island of Molokaʻi is tiny. “Like, 32 miles long and 4,000 residents. No street lights, no fast food, only family-owned businesses,” she says. In many ways, Molokai is where the seeds of her vocation were planted, beginning with inspirational teachers and a longstanding recognition of the power of education. Now a senior education major at PLU with a concentration in special education, Ashawnaleigh is building on that early sense of purpose through teaching.

For Jerilynn Harris ’08, music is a vehicle for a lot of things, like empowerment, play, challenge, and reflection. As a teacher, they make space for all sides of music in their classroom. “I’d say we’ve got a pretty good balance between laughing and locking in,” Harris says. That balance is part of what recently earned Harris the title of School Orchestra Director of the Year from the Washington Chapter of the American String Teachers Association.

Senior Vincent Le ’26 sums up applied physics in a nutshell: “You can think of it as the study of how objects physically interact in the universe. Things physically happen for a reason, my major studies the how and why.” After completing his contract as a nuclear operator in the Navy, Vincent was ready to move straight into the workforce. But a suggestion from family shifted his direction, pointing him toward PLU.

For communications major Adrian Restrepo ’25, that idea turned into a senior capstone project to support PLU’s Wellbeing Services and Resources (WSR) – not because the services didn’t exist, but because not all students were finding them. Working alongside WSR leadership – including Dean of Students Eva Frey – Adrian focused on this core challenge: visibility. “Dr. Frey and I discussed needs within WSR.