Washington DC
Program Staff
Faculty-in-Residence 2024-2025
Fall 2024
Dr. J. Christopher “Chris” Soper
Distinguished Professor of Political Science
Social Science Division
Office: APC 24
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 DC and Chris (not surprisingly given his background) looks forward to spirited and respectful discussions about politics as we live in our nation’s capital.
Spring 2025
Dr. Marie Mullins
Blanche E. Seaver Chair of English Literature, Professor of English
Humanities and Teacher Education Division
Office CAC 109
Maire Mullins is Blanche E. Seaver Chair of English Literature and Professor of English at Seaver College, and teaches classes in American Literature. She received her Ph.D. at the University of Notre Dame where she met her husband, Paul J. Contino, who is a Professor of Great Books at Pepperdine. She has been teaching at Pepperdine since 2002. Maire and Paul live in faculty housing on campus, and have two daughters, Mai Rose and Teresa. They have served previously as the faculty family in Florence, Italy. They greatly enjoy living and learning with Pepperdine students and are excited to explore our nation's capitol.
Faculty-in-Residence 2025-2026
Dr. April D. Marshall
Professor of Hispanic Studies
International Studies and Languages Division, Seaver College
Office: PLC 195
April D. Marshall has river rafted in Argentina, snorkeled with sharks in the Galápagos, visited archeological sites in Mexico, and shopped Christmas markets in Europe. She is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and a double alumna of the University of Louisville. Her doctorate is in Spanish from New York University. She studied abroad in Spain and Venezuela, living with families in both countries. April is a professor of Hispanic Studies in the International Studies and Languages division and recently celebrated her 20th year of teaching at Seaver College. She has traveled with Pepperdine students to Buenos Aires, Madrid, Washington DC, Jordan, and Barcelona. She enjoys exploring the world alongside students and is always looking for the best gelato flavor!
Updated: 7.19.24