On August 1, 2018, Rev. Lisa Ishihara became the University chaplain for SPU after a nationwide search.

Director of chapel programs at Biola University for the past 10 years, Ishihara has done extensive speaking and teaching, and she recently contributed to a new book, Leading Change Through Diversity in Spiritual Development.

She is also an ordained clergyperson in the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference of the Free Methodist Church and so, says Provost Jeffrey Van Duzer, “she understands both SPU’s Wesleyan heritage and the changing dynamic of the student body on our campus.” In her new role, Ishihara will lead University Ministries.

Rev. Ishihara received a BA from California State University at Fullerton, as well as two master’s degrees from the Talbot School of Theology.