Allan Belton became the 14th president of Pacific Lutheran University in 2017, bringing to the presidency a combination of business acumen, higher education experience, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge convention.
A self-described believer in doing things differently when a better path exists, Belton has embraced the opportunity to lead PLU with both an eye toward what is next and a deep appreciation for what makes the university distinctive.
At the heart of his leadership is a simple belief: people matter, and how we care for one another matters. That belief is deeply connected to PLU’s mission and to the university’s commitment to educating students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care.
Belton often points to PLU’s “Lutes Open Doors” ethos as a powerful expression of that culture. For him, holding doors is about more than a gesture – it represents a willingness to notice one another, make room for others, show up, and lead with generosity. It is the kind of care he believes should extend from the classroom to the boardroom and into the broader community.
As president, Belton is committed to ensuring that PLU remains a place where students receive an exceptional education while also being known, challenged, supported, and prepared to make a difference.
President Belton is working to ensure that PLU continues to prepare students for lives of service, leadership and care.
Protecting the Promise: Advocating for Washington State Financial Aid
At Pacific Lutheran University, we believe that a transformative education should be accessible to every student with the talent and drive to pursue it. For over a decade, PLU has been a leader in Washington State, answering the call to serve students through the Washington College Bound Scholarship and the Washington College Grant.
We don’t just support these programs; we prioritize them. By enrolling a higher proportion of College Bound recipients than nearly all of our private, not-for-profit peers, we live out our mission of educating students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership, and care.
The PLU 253 Guarantee: Full Tuition Coverage
In alignment with the State’s commitment to providing College Bound access at independent, non-profit schools, PLU has established a clear pathway to affordability.
Now in its eleventh year, the 253 PLU Bound Scholarship offers dedicated scholarships for students who are College Bound eligible, attend a Washington state high school, and have a 3.0 or higher weighted cumulative GPA. For qualifying students, PLU guarantees full tuition for all four years through a strategic combination of:
Federal and State grants
The Washington College Bound Scholarship
PLU-funded grants and scholarships
To further remove barriers to higher education, we have expanded our Automatic Admission partnerships with school districts across Washington. By working directly with high school counselors, we identify seniors who meet our academic standards and will thrive in the PLU community. This proactive approach ensures that the dream of a college degree is not just a possibility, but a plan.
A New Challenge to Student Opportunity
During the 2025 legislative session, a last-minute funding cut was made to the Washington College Bound Scholarship specifically for students attending independent, not-for-profit universities like PLU. Set to take effect in the 2027-28 academic year, this decision jeopardizes the financial path for many in our community.
At PLU, nearly one in four students is a College Bound recipient. Of these high-potential students, 75% are students of color and 76% are the first in their families to attend college. These cuts don’t just affect budgets; they impact the lives of our neighbors and the future of our diverse regional workforce.
Our Commitment to You
PLU remains unwavering in our support. We are working diligently at the state level to reverse these cuts and ensure that the “College Bound Promise” remains a reality for every Lute. One of our advocacy efforts includes a Student Lobby Day in Olympia during the 2026 Legislative Session, where we will bring the voices of our community directly to lawmakers.
How You Can Help
Your voice is a powerful tool in this effort. We invite students, families, and alumni to join us in advocating for the restoration of this vital funding. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue the vocation they are called to.
Resources and Support
If you have questions about your financial aid or would like to learn more about how these changes may affect future enrollment, our team is here to support you.
Student Financial Services
- Email: sfs@plu.edu
- In-Person: Hauge Administration Building
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Thank you for standing with us to protect access for all.
"PLU truly is a university that lives, learns and serves from the heart. And while we can compete on academic merits and graduate outcomes with the best of ‘em, what sets us apart - far more than anything else - is the level of care that is fundamental to how we approach everything we do."
Allan Belton
PLU President
The Strategic Plan
Our new strategic plan will serve as the framework for a five-year, campus-wide effort to strengthen and enhance the academic experience and learning opportunities we provide, and to further fortify our institutional commitment to diversity, justice, and sustainability. Over the next five years, the university will strengthen and enhance the experience it offers students and, in doing so, extend its mission further into the Pacific Northwest and the world. This plan is a call for us to grow together and a green light to innovate. LEARN MORE >
