Media Guide

Welcome!  For background information about Soka University of America, please see Frequently Asked Questions, Fast Facts and Proud Heritage.  You may find our brochure, fact sheet and catalog helpful.  You can also view our press release archives.

The Community Relations staff is available to help you set up interviews or find answers to your questions as quickly as possible.  

A selection of high resolution photos are available for your use. 

Faculty members willing to share their expertise are listed below. 

If you haven't been to Soka University before, we would be happy to arrange a personal tour for you.  Visit our campus and talk to some of our students, staff and faculty.  Plan your visit so that you have time for lunch at the Soka Bistro where the whole campus gathers between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.  (It's $9.25 for all you can eat including dessert and beverage.)   You'll be glad you came!

Wendy Harder
Director, Community Relations
Soka University
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
wwharder@soka.edu
949. 480.4081
Fax: 949.480.4260

Faculty Resources

Soka University's distinguished faculty offers a rich resource for those seeking expertise in a variety of academic areas.  The following SUA faculty are willing to be contacted by members of the media about their subject areas.   Click on their names for bios and contact information.

Gaye Christofferson, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science
East Asian international relations, US-China relations, energy issues, Asian multilateralism

Arie Galles, MFA
Professor of Art and Director of Creative Arts
Art, art instruction at Soka University of America

Nancy Hodes, PhD 
Professor of Chinese Language and Culture
Chinese  language and culture, literature, film 

Lisa A. Hall MacLeod, PhD
Professor of International Studies
International Relations (conflict resolution, post-conflict peace building, UN Peace Operations, United Nations)

Nalini Rao, PhD
Associate Professor of World Art
India, art, religion, culture, dance, art history, modern, Asian

Seiji Takaku, PhD
Associate Professor of  Psychology and Director of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Psychology of forgiveness; Psychology of apology- & excuse-giving. Cross-cultural issues in inter-personal and inter-group conflict resolutions. Psychological theories on human motivation.

Gail Thomas, PhD
Professor of Sociology
Assessing quality educational alternatives to traditional public schools, race and gender differences in education and employment in higher education, global social inequality

James Williams, PhD
Professor of Rhetoric & Linguistics
History of rhetoric; rhetorical theory; composition theory; composition methods; literacy; syntax; child language acquisition; English as a second language; psycholinguistics