The University of Puget Sound has been awarded the Beacon Award for Excellence in Student Achievement and Success by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Sam Kigar, an associate professor of Islam in the Department of Religion, Spirituality, & Society, received the 2024 President’s Excellence in Teaching Award, the highest distinction given to a faculty member for exceptional contributions to teaching and the university community. Professor Kigar says he is deeply committed to building strong relationships with his students, fostering a learning environment that sparks passion and encourages collaborative thinking. 

Tacoma, Wash. – Professor of Biology Andreas Madlung has been named the 2024 recipient of the Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. This award recognizes outstanding scholarship and a commitment to inspiring scientific curiosity in students. The award was presented to Professor Madlung at the Murdock College Science Research Conference in Vancouver, Washington, on Nov. 8.

The University of Puget Sound has been ranked in the top 17% of the World University Rankings for International Students by StudyAbroadAid, a comprehensive global university database.

History, art, culture — and a typhoon.

When five University of Puget Sound students and two faculty members traveled to China in July 2024, they encountered it all.

During their 10-day trip, Typhoon Gaemi hit Fuzhou, the port city in southeastern China where Puget Sound visitors were staying on the campus of Hwa Nan Women’s College. As the storm poured constant rain for several days, “everything closed,” recalled Noah Hornecker ’26.

From May 12–23, 2025, Professor of Biology Andreas Madlung will lead a unique and in-depth alumni trip to Berlin, Germany. Over the span of 12 days, participants will learn about the city’s history and urban ecology. This tour strengthens and promotes the ideals of lifelong learning and the importance of staying curious. This journey offers a personalized experience with an expert guide who will share their local insights and take you off the beaten paths of Berlin.

Multiple programs at the University of Puget Sound have been recognized by Intelligent.com, a widely respected source for higher education rankings and research. The university has been awarded top honors across several disciplines, reinforcing its status as a leader in higher education.

University of Puget Sound faculty were recently honored for their work and contribution for the 2023–24 academic year during an awards dinner. The annual awards dinner recognized exceptional contributions to teaching, research, and service, showcasing the university’s commitment to academic excellence. The award winners include:

TACOMA, Wash. - The University of Puget Sound has been honored once again for its academic excellence, securing a spot among the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The university claimed the #95 spot in a highly competitive category among universities nationwide. Puget Sound was also recognized as a “Best Value School” moving up three spots to #81.