SOAC | PLU

The School of Arts and Communication at Pacific Lutheran University houses the departments of Art & Design, Communication, Music, and Theatre & Dance. Presenting over 250 events each season, we combine the best practices of liberal arts education with the benefits of applied and professional study.

The School of Arts and Communication (SOAC) is a community of artists and scholars—students, faculty, and staff—dedicated to building and enhancing our community through the study, practice and understanding of artistic expression. Our focus, through creative expression and outreach, is to play a significant and meaningful role regionally, nationally and globally in developing processes for sustainable cultural enhancement.

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Dean's Awards for Excellence

Meet the 2020 recipients

Watch announcement video

DEPARTMENTS

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If you’re interested in learning more about our School of Arts and Communication programs, please fill out the form linked below. A PLU representative will be in touch shortly. We look forward to hearing from you!

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SCHOLARSHIPS

The School of Arts and Communication offers Artistic Achievement Awards to talented incoming students (new and transfer). Artistic Achievement Awards and limited endowed scholarships are offered in renewable amounts ranging up to $7,500 per year and are in addition to academic merit awards. Awards are available in Art & Design, Dance, Forensics (Speech & Debate), Music, and Theatre. Students may apply for scholarships in multiple areas.

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Richard Nance, Professor of Music, Director of Choral Studies
Amanda Sweger, Associate Professor of Theatre & Dance
Jp Avila, Associate Professor of Art & Design
Paul Evans, Lecturer and Affiliate Artist - Tuba
Tom Smith, Chair, Associate Professor of Theatre & Dance
Amy Young, Chair, Associate Professor of Communication
Ron Gerhardstein, Assistant Professor of Music, Associate Director of Bands
Kathleen Anderson, Resident Assistant Professor of Theatre & Dance, Costume Designer
Edwin C. Powell, Professor of Music, Director of Bands
Marnie Ritchie, Assistant Professor of Communication
Cassio Vianna, Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Jazz Studies

MEET THE FACULTY

School of Arts and Communication faculty are performing on stages in national and international venues, they have art work in the most important galleries in the region, they are Fulbright Scholars, they are in high demand as guest lecturers in schools and institutes around the world, and they are published in the most respected journals and papers in their field. They share a common passion for teaching and engaging our students and strive for excellence in all aspects of their work.

ART & DESIGN
FACULTY

COMMUNICATION FACULTY

MUSIC
FACULTY

THEATRE & DANCE FACULTY