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�������� of America is expanding its federal advocacy efforts. President Ed Feasel recently visited Washington, D.C., meeting with congressional offices and national media to represent the university’s interests and establish ongoing relationships.

“Building connections with lawmakers,” President Feasel said, “helps us protect our educational model through changing policy landscapes.”

This proactive outreach reflects SUA’s strategic communications initiative to protect its unique global citizenship education model amid potential shifts in federal education policy.

During his week-long visit, President Feasel attended the annual American Council on Education conference and met with key policymakers from both parties. Republican Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) expressed support for addressing visa issues and shared potential ways to work within the existing STEM OPT system for international students seeking employment in the United States after graduating. Feasel also held discussions with legislative assistants from the offices of California’s Democratic Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff about SUA’s educational mission and policy priorities.

These conversations showed early signs of bipartisan receptiveness to SUA’s unique challenges and contributions as President Feasel introduced the university’s position as a small, globally focused liberal arts institution, laying the groundwork for future engagement with policymakers. “When legislators like Representative Kim understand Soka’s unique approach to global citizenship education,” he said, “they see beyond partisan debates to recognize the real economic and cultural value we create.”

Feasel also met with editors from The Chronicle of Higher Education and Washington Monthly to discuss SUA’s approach to global citizenship education, international student programs, and financial accessibility. These media conversations position SUA in the national discussion about the value of higher education and international education policy.

During his Capitol Hill meetings, President Feasel emphasized SUA’s distinctive contributions: its focus on fostering global citizens, the contributions of SUA alumni across a wide range of industries, and a financial aid model that makes education accessible regardless of students’ finances. This trip continued the university’s ongoing effort to strengthen engagement with federal policymakers and national media. Future steps may include inviting congressional leaders to campus, expanding faculty contributions as policy and media experts, and following up on discussions — particularly with Rep. Kim’s office.

“These conversations ensure that, regardless of future changes,” President Feasel said, “SUA can effectively communicate the vital importance of our mission and our students’ needs to those shaping policy decisions.”