Florence
Program Staff
Faculty-in-Residence
2026-2027
Tim Willis
Professor of Religion
Religion and Philosophy Division, Seaver College
I have been at Pepperdine since 1989, focusing on interpretation of the Bible, especially the Old Testament. I expect to teach at least two Core classes in Italy, REL 200 (The Story of Scripture) and REL 501 (World of the Old Testament), where we will compare life in the ancient Mediterranean world with the present day. My wife, Jan, and I were faculty-in-residence in Florence in 2006-2007 and Summer 2013. We fell in love with Florence the first evening, when we walked into the city center and viewed the Duomo in the twilight. From Cinque Terra to Pompeii, from Ravenna to Venice and the Tyrolean Alps, exploring the sights and sounds and tastes of Italy never gets old.
2027-2028
Dr. J. Christopher “Chris” Soper
Distinguished Professor of Political Science
Social Science Division
Chris Soper is a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Seaver College and teaches a variety of classes in American and Comparative Politics. He completed his PhD at Yale University and has been teaching at Pepperdine for more than 25 years. Chris and his wife Jane (an elementary school teacher and administrator) have served previously in the Heidelberg and London campuses. Chris and Jane are excited to explore the extraordinary cultural opportunities in Florence!