Main Office
Wang Center for Global Education868 Wheeler Street Tacoma, WA 98447 | 253.535.7577 |
| wangcenter@plu.edu |
Faculty and Staff
Neal Sobania, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Ph.D., African History, University of London
| 253-535-7577 | Office Location Wang Center |
| sobania@plu.edu |
Biography:
Neal Sobania serves as the Executive Director of the Wang Center for Global Education and Professor of History at Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA. As a teacher he has taught a wider range of courses in African history and African studies, and as an international educator has held many elected positions at both the regional and national level. As an active scholar, his current research focuses on the visual traditions of Ethiopia, especially silver and gold-workers, and contemporary traditional church painters whose work teaches and sustains the Christian faith among peoples who cannot read or write.
Education:
- Ph.D., African History, University of London
- M.A., International Affairs, Ohio University
- Ph.D., African History, University of London
Biography:
As the Assistant Director of the Wang Center for Global Education, Charry is responsible for providing administrative support for the development, coordination and implementation of off-campus courses and programs, budgeting, managing the International Exchange Visitor Program and providing the University with information on select non-immigration matters. Charry has enjoyed various travel opportunities to England, France, Japan, China, Israel, Trinidad and Tobago, and Scotland.
Education:
- B.S., History, Pacific Lutheran University
Biography:
Pat has worked at PLU for 10 years, joining the Wang Center team when it was formed in 2002. At the Wang Center, her primary focus is with the application process, course registration, budgeting, billing, grading and transcripts. She finds the PLU students and supporting their study abroad interests both a joy and inspiration. Prior to joining PLU, she worked for 20 years with the Providence health care system and for 5 years with the State of Alaska environmental office during Trans Alaska Oil Pipeline construction. Raised in South Dakota, the Northwest has become her home. Outside of work, her interests are central to family; homemaking, reading, gardening, the company of her husband, two married children, three grandchildren, and two dogs.
Education:
- B.S., Northern State University, 1972
Kristin Labs
Study Away and International Internship Coordinator
| 253-535-8178 | Office Location Wang Center |
| labskm@plu.edu |
Biography:
Kristin Labs is the Study Away and International Internship Coordinator in the Wang Center. She works primarily with the PLU Gateway programs (China, Oaxaca, Norway, & Trinidad and Tobago) and the International Internship Programs. While Kristin is a native of Apple Valley, Minnesota, she has spent most of her adult life living in various parts of the country, including Washington D.C., Kentucky, Vermont, and now Tacoma, Washington. Kristin has lived, worked, studied, and traveled abroad in various locations throughout the world.
Education:
- M.A., International Education, SIT Graduate Institute, 2008
- B.A., International Relations, American University, 2002
Biography:
As Study Away Advisor, Megan is responsible for managing partnerships with PLU-Approved study abroad organizations and advising students about their opportunities for study away. As an undergraduate, Megan studied in Spain, China and Samoa. Megan loves travel, working with students, tasting new foods and outdoor activities. She is excited to promote international education at PLU!
Education:
- B.A., Spanish, University of Portland, 2006
- B.S., Life Science, University of Portland, 2006
Carmen Eyssautier
Administrative Assistant
M.A. International Education, University of Minnesota, 2008
| 253-535-7577 | Office Location Wang Center |
| eyssaucj@plu.edu |
Biography:
Carmen has had many wonderful opportunities to study and travel abroad throughout her life. As the Administrative Assistant at the Wang Center, she is delighted to be able to assist others in achieving their international educational goals. When she is not at work she enjoys cooking, eating, reading, biking and exploring her new surroundings in the Pacific Northwest.
Education:
- B.A. Spanish and Geology, University of Minnesota, 2003
- M.A. International Education, University of Minnesota, 2008