Dean's Report 2024 Vol 22 Iss 1

2024 DEAN’S REPORT

Dean’sMessage

The fall semester began our 26th year at the School of Public Policy. It followed one of our program’s busiest years in terms of faculty hires, fundraising, and events centered on our first quarter century of preparing policy and political leaders for America and the world. The title of our anniversary video, “Shaping the World for 100 Years to Come,” was based on a famous radio address by Ronald Reagan, and as we near the conclusion of this year, I’m delighted to say that through our faculty, alumni, and programs, we’re clearly demonstrating this promise.

In this edition of the Dean’s Report, you’ll see SPP’s remarkable impact in places from Los Angeles to Washington, DC, to Blonay - SaintLégier, Switzerland (and many points in between). Our faculty convened policy makers to discuss, debate, and find solutions to issues ranging from poverty alleviation and crime reduction to America’s role in the world and cybersecurity challenges in Europe. Through each of these vital and timely conversations, you’ll notice our focus on faith, freedom, and America’s founding principles, as we continue to play our unique role in America’s public policy sphere.

As some here at SPP are, no doubt, tired of hearing, I believe that “we grow through collaboration—not just creation.” This means partnering with mission-aligned policy organizations and scholars on research, teaching, and events. In the fall semester alone, we worked with friends at Yeshiva University’s Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, the Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Catholic University’s Project on Constitutional Originalism, the Danube Institute (Hungary), The Trinity Forum, and the State of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services.

We were also excited to partner with the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology on an important conference in Downtown Los Angeles highlighting the importance of cross-sector leadership in addressing urban policy challenges.

Most of these conferences provided crucial learning and professional networking opportunities for our students, showing, once again, that education at SPP occurs both inside and outside of the classroom. Speaking of the classroom, this fall we also welcomed a new full-time faculty member, Dayea Oh, specializing in state and local government and economics, as we welcomed back two former visiting faculty members in Victor Davis Hanson and Steve Hayward. The research and writing by our faculty on policies ranging from taxation and financial literacy to national security are both distinctive and influential.

I’ll conclude this message with a reference to the recent conference in Washington, DC, that we cohosted with AEI, Catholic University, and the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Ronald Reagan Honorary Distinguished Professor Robert George’s book, Making Men Moral, the event brought together scholars and policy makers from a variety of disciplines—from public policy to theology. The foundational question George raises in the book is essentially: “Can you legislate morality?” The major takeaway from the two days of panels is that without moral people, public policy and government will never produce a flourishing society. And to prepare such a citizenry requires both religious liberty and free and self-governing institutions—from the family to schools—that can promote these virtues.

In many ways, the conference reflected our own perspective here at the School of Public Policy, and I’m more confident than ever that through these commitments we will, indeed, shape the world for 100 years to come.

Looking forward,

Pete Peterson Dean, Braun Family Dean’s Chair School of Public Policy

Pepperdine School of Public Policy Welcomes

Carol Wallace as Board of Advisors Chair

Carol Wallace, who stepped into the position of chair of the board for the School of Public Policy (SPP) in November, is a passionate, dedicated, and creative leader who strongly supports the graduate school’s mission and vision to equip public policy leaders. Wallace has served on the SPP board since 2009. While serving as chair of the fundraising committee, she spearheaded fundraising efforts for student scholarships, the 25th Anniversary Gala, and Giving Day and successfully engaged the SPP board in each endeavor.

“I am honored to serve on the SPP board and especially honored to be asked to chair the board. I believe that the School of Public Policy serves a critical and timely role in shaping the future of our country,” said Wallace. Wallace has faithfully dedicated her energy and creativity to leading efforts that help others. Her commitment to service has been a theme throughout her life, exemplified in her various leadership roles at Pepperdine, the American Heart Association, the Republican National Committee, in education efforts, and in creating environments for people to grow deeper in their faith.

With her husband Robert, Wallace also serves on the board of the Boone Center for the Family. She envisioned and launched Savvy Chic for the Boone Center for the Family, serving as the chair of the fundraising event from its inception until 2009. She successfully brought together a group of committed volunteers who served on the committee for Savvy Chic to establish a distinct and highly impactful fundraising event.

In addition to her service to Pepperdine University, Wallace has been a member of the Silicon Valley Circle of Red (part of Go Red for Women at the American Heart Association), since 2011 and has served as a co-chair since 2016. From 2002 to 2009, Wallace served as the national co-chair of the Republican National Committee’s fundraising team for toplevel donors. She traveled extensively in this role, participating in numerous events in Washington, DC, including many at the White House, RNC conventions, and pivotal events around the country.

Carol and Robert Wallace were the founders of the Teacher Endowment for Valley Christian Schools in San Jose, California, in 1989 where they partnered together to envision and launch an extremely successful fundraising campaign that resulted in the school transition from rented campuses to the creation of a $25 million state-of-the-art campus.

Wallace’s faith is the centerpiece of her life and passions. She founded Women of Substance (WOS) and hosts annual gatherings in Northern and Southern California bringing in notable guest speakers, including the late Shirley Boone, who was the organization’s first guest.

Wallace and Robert have two daughters, Cameo Wallace Guillemette and Charity Wallace (’97). Carol is especially proud to be “Coco” to her identical twin granddaughters, Clementine and Caroline.

For God and Country: What Christian Nationalism Is . . . and Isn’t

In September, the Pepperdine School of Public Policy welcomed Paul D. Miller to its Malibu campus to discuss his book The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism

Miller is a professor of the practice of international affairs at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, has served as director for Afghanistan and Pakistan on the National Security Council staff, worked as an intelligence analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency, and served as a military intelligence officer in the US Army.

To tackle a topic of such depth, Miller began by unraveling the meaning of the word nationalism. Nationalism, he said, is simply “an argument about who counts as ‘us’”—a term that is defined based on a country’s national identity through a shared culture. Arguing that Christian nationalism fails to include minorities, Miller believes that it can evolve as both illiberal and often oppressive.

Despite this, Christians can remain invested in politics without partaking in Christian nationalism.

“As a Christian, I love my neighbor politically by advocating for their equality under law. I think equality under law is a Christian principle,” said Miller. “Christian politics means maintaining the rule of law, equality under law regardless of your background, your language, your ethnicity, your religion,” he continued.

Miller sees two primary dangers from Christian nationalism: political tyranny and hollow, politicized religion. He fears that allowing the state to regulate our moral and religious lives would prevent the true mission of Christianity and instead make the church a propaganda tool for the state. Thus, he argued, it is imperative to protect the church from the manipulations of the government.

In a final point, Miller said we should define ourselves as Americans through our shared values of liberty and equality. While Americans have yet to reach the full essence of these principles, they

serve as guiding pillars to pursue and pass along. Miller stated, “We give to the next generation tools with which to surpass us, that is something to be proud of. That is something that binds us as Americans, that defines us as Americans.”

The discussion ended with an engaging Q and A session led by Miller and dean Pete Peterson.

Inaugural Interview Series “Office Hours with Victor Davis Hanson” Reaches Historic Views

Upon welcoming Victor Davis Hanson to Malibu in the fall 2023 semester as the inaugural Terry Giles and Kalli O’Malley Distinguished Visiting Professor, the School of Public Policy launched its first-of-its-kind interview series, “Office Hours with Victor Davis Hanson.” As its name implies, the discussion took a Socratic approach to uncover the lessons Hanson taught to SPP graduate students in the Roots of American Leadership in Peace and War course that progressed throughout the fall.

The premise of the four-part series is that the lives of great leaders of world history should be studied with the intention of understanding their unique leadership qualities. Though this approach often is employed by other educational programs, the typical focus is placed on notable figures in the political, corporate, or nonprofit sphere. In contrast, Hanson argues the necessity of familiarizing oneself with leaders whose careers were shaped by a greater intensity—individuals, according Hanson, who have “personas that transcended the battlefield.”

“There is something about war that is the ultimate arbitrator of everything. It is life and death. So the person that has those skills can either save or cost thousands of lives,” stated Hanson.

Each interview, led by the dean of the School of Public Policy Pete Peterson, considered a single military leader by assessing key events in their life and isolating their distinct attributes that led to their striking success, and at time, their failure.

The four episodes studied the following leaders respectively: Themistocles, general George Patton, general William Tecumseh Sherman, and general Matthew Ridgway. All four individuals were the primary subject matter taught by Hanson to his class the day prior.

The overwhelming reception of the series, accumulating more than 500,000 views since the release of the first interview, not only showcases the exceptional intellectual rigor being brought to School of Public Policy students, but also realizes SPP’s mission to be a convener of world-class thinkers that lead and collaborate with graduate students on today’s most relevant policy subjects.

“Our first ‘Office Hours’ series with Victor Davis Hanson provided an opportunity for viewers to

step inside the classroom and learn from one of America’s great scholars of public leadership,” said Peterson. “As the home to a number of noteworthy faculty in fields ranging from economics to national security, we look forward to expanding this program to offer viewers the experience of being one of our graduate policy students.”

In addition to serving as the Terry Giles and Kalli O’Malley Distinguished Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy, Hanson is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow in Residence in Classics and Military History at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University; Professor Emeritus of Classics at California State University, Fresno; and the Wayne and Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History at Hillsdale College. He is a nationally syndicated columnist for Tribune Media Services and is the author of hundreds of articles, book reviews, scholarly papers, and newspaper editorials on matters ranging from ancient Greek, agrarian, and military history to foreign affairs, domestic politics, and contemporary culture.

“Office Hours with Victor Davis Hanson” can be accessed on the School of Public Policy YouTube page at youtube.com/@PepperdineSPP.

Kevin Royse Joins Pepperdine University as Vice Chancellor of Development for School of Public Policy and Caruso School of Law

Leading nonprofit and educational advancement strategy for more than 15 years, Kevin Royse joins Pepperdine University as the vice chancellor of development in a joint role for the School of Public Policy and the Caruso School of Law. Most recently, Royse served as chief advancement officer at PragerU leading a team of 28 in supporting the conservative educational media organization through its innovative digital content. Under Royse’s guidance, the team achieved exceptional fundraising success for expansion initiatives including securing $65 million in current gifts and an additional $40 million in deferred gifts in 2022.

In the higher educational sphere, Royse spent more than 10 years aiding advancement efforts for Biola University and California Baptist University as associate director of development.

Royse comes from an impressive and diverse educational background that includes a bachelor’s degree in sports administration and marketing, as well as a master’s degree in sports administration and higher education, both from Ball State University.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for an institution that is clear on its mission to strengthen students for purpose, service, and leadership, and infuses this value-driven perspective into all that it does,” said Royse.

To learn more about the ways you can support the School of Public Policy, please contact Kevin Royse at kevin.royse@pepperdine.edu or at 310.506.4728.

FACULTY UPDATES

LUISA BLANCO

Professor of Public Policy

Luisa Blanco was recently awarded two federal grants, which will support her in significant research efforts within the next few years. The first grant is with the University of California, Los Angeles, where she will lead research methodology and program organization as the co-director of the university’s Resource Center for Minority Aging Research Center for Health Improvement of Minority Elderly. The grant is supported by the National Institutes of Health. Blanco’s second award is with St. Mary’s University and sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Blanco will work closely alongside St. Mary’s Belinda Roman to assess the impact of enhanced diabetes care in the Latino community.Their three-year study, consisting of design creation, implementation, and post-analysis, is titled “Impact of Enhanced Healthcare on Labor Market Participation.”

JAMES PRIEGER

Professor of Public Policy

Furthering his research in the field of cigarette taxation, James Prieger’s paper “Tax Noncompliance: The Role of Tax Morale in Smokers’ Behavior” was published in the Contemporary Economic Policy Journal and his research “Optimal Taxation of Cigarettes and E Cigarettes: Principles for Taxing Reduced-Harm Tobacco Products,” was published in the Forum for Health Economics and Policy in December.

In 2023 Prieger presented “Exploring E-Cigarette Use and Smoking-Related Disparities in England” at a variety of locations, including the 93rd annual meeting of the Southern Economic Association, the Association of Public Policy and Management Fall Conference, and the Western Economic Association International 98th annual conference.

News from the Davenport Institute

The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership had a full schedule this past summer and fall with multiple conference presentations, trainings, certificate programs, and published articles. The institute was pleased to welcome Pepperdine School of Public Policy students Richard Barnes and Nathan Peterson to its graduate research assistant team. Barnes and Peterson will join Celeste Benitez in helping advance the Davenport Institute mission to help build stronger communities by promoting public participation in local governance. The institute regularly brings local government leaders to campus for its Davenport Discussions to provide students with opportunities to engage with and learn from them. This fall the Davenport Institute held three of these lunchtime talks with: Davenport Institute executive director Maureen Tobin; Dallas, Texas, mayor Eric Johnson; and Cupertino Chamber of Commerce executive director Deb Feng. Mayor Johnson’s talk was a component of the inaugural Mayor in Residence program. The “In Residence” programs allow SPP students to book one-on-one conversations with a mayor or city manager to ask for career guidance and gain insights into their work. The City Manager in Residence program is held in the spring.

In their outward facing role, the Davenport Institute team travels far and wide for speaking engagements. In May executive director Maureen Tobin presented with City of Morgan Hill public information officer/city clerk Michelle Bigelow on “Getting Back to Basics: Engaging Your Community In Person” at the California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) Annual Conference. In the same month the institute’s assistant director for professional education, Pooja Di Giovanna, presented at the International City/County Management Association’s Regional Conference. In June Di Giovanna co-led a session on “Teaching and Training Lessons Learned from the Pandemic” at the Consortium of Public Service Organizations Annual Conference. She also gave two talks at the MOVE 2023 conference. In July, Di Giovanna facilitated discussion and delivered a lightning talk on “Challenges in the Teaching and Training Environment” at the University Network of Collaborative Governance (UNCG) Teaching, Training, and Research Retreat.

The Davenport team continued its educational outreach activities in the fall with three more conference presentations: Di Giovanna spoke on “Navigating Levels of Vulnerability in the Teaching and Training Environment” for UNCG and at the Municipal Management Association of Southern California on “Digital Equity and Public Engagement.” At the Municipal Management Association of Northern California, Tobin spoke about “Building Defensible Public Engagement Processes” with City of Mountain View economic development strategist Amanda Rotella.

The fall also included the inaugural CAPIO Leadership Summit. The Davenport Institute was a key partner and an executive sponsor for this dynamic event. At the summit, the Davenport Institute team presented on public engagement as a vital leadership skill and Tobin led a “Leadership Insights Panel” of top local government leaders in California.

The Davenport Institute is a strong thought leader in the space of local government public engagement and published six pieces in ICMA’s wide-reaching PM Magazine on various topics, from public engagement for public safety to the unique diversity of counties.

In-person trainings provided by the Davenport Institute team in the second half of 2023 included: the City of Paso Robles Leadership Team, California Police Chiefs Association, and two sessions in partnership with the International Association of Government Officials for their certificate in public leadership. In the virtual space, three certificate programs were completed: one offering of the Professional Certificate in Public Engagement and two offerings of the Professional Certificate in Local Government and Community for the California Association of Realtors. The latter had more than 3,000 registrations. Through its trainings and leadership development programs, the Davenport Institute continues to explore new and creative ways to act as a bridge between local governments and the communities they serve.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson speaks to students at Mayor in Residence program.

Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik gives presentation titled, “The Liberty Bell and the Liberty Shofar.”

Constitution Day 2023: The Hebrew Bible’s Impact on America

On September 13, 2023, the School of Public Policy kicked off its 2023–2024 event season with its annual Constitution Day 2023 program, which took a special focus on the Hebrew Bible and the significant ways in which it helped shape American constitutional literature. The gathering marked the second collaboration event with Yeshiva University Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought.

The midday conference was opened by Pepperdine School of Public Policy dean Pete Peterson and consisted of four mini-lectures followed by a panel conversation as a platform to answer questions from the audience.

The director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik began the program with “The Liberty Bell and the Liberty Shofar.” Soloveichik opened with a reminder of the necessity for every American to mark both the historical and current value of the constitution. He revealed the parallels between biblical origins and America’s first principles. In particular, he discussed the covenantal nature of America’s founding and called it “a biblical covenant-inspired culture” which he described as a decisive step toward a new beginning.

The values of new beginnings such as liberty and promises are exemplified, according to Soloveichik, by the Liberty Bell. “The bell and the verse upon it embody how biblical imagery inspired, not just early Americans, but also the assault on slavery and the advancement of the American idea,” Soloveichik stated.

Shaina Trapedo, resident scholar and recruitment officer at Stern College and Manhattan High School for Girls, followed Soloveichik with a discussion of the book of Psalms and related excerpts that demonstrate how the prayer book is infused with moral significance. “The evocative imagery and the moral inspiration of the Psalms has moved history forward,” stated Trapedo.

Rabbi Stu Halpern spoke on Elisah, the biblical figure he described as “America’s wonder-working prophet.” Halpern traced Elisha’s unique impact on America’s history, such as abolitionism and the insistence on equal rights in the 1900s.

Rabbi Dov Lerner ended the lecture portion of the day with a compelling discussion of “Milton and America: Paradise Lost and the Politics of Happiness.”

“The evocative imagery and the moral inspiration of the Psalms has moved history forward,” stated Trapedo.

Buttressed by the biblical foundations of individual human value, “and then God made man in his own image,” Milton’s writing carried pertinent meaning to the cultural norms of his day. His radical view that countered centuries of belief in the divine order, eventually led to the philosophical foundations for ending the English monarchy. “The pen of this blind poet was at the head of a revolution that broke the great chain and went on to shape our age and the foundations of this nation,” stated Lerner.

The conference concluded with a lively panel of speakers answering questions from the audience provoked by the various topics presented throughout the day.

go.pepperdine.edu/constitution-day-2023

2023–2024

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy awards a number of scholarships each year, which are made available through endowed funds, generous gifts from supporters and alumni, and allocation of University general funds. The scholarship committee awards scholarships based on merit, academic excellence, and professional experience, as well as standardized test scores. The School of Public Policy is proud to recognize the 2023–2024 endowed scholars:

LASZLO AND MILKA AMBRUS ENDOWED SCHOLARS

The Laszlo and Milka Ambrus Endowed Scholarship was established for students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

RICHARD BARNES

BA, Political Science Azusa Pacific University

STEVEN CHIO

BA, Communications California State University, Fullerton

ANALISE NASH

BA, Biology Pepperdine University

WILLIAM S. AND GAY BANOWSKY ENDOWED SCHOLAR

Established by Lew O. Ward and supported by a circle of friends, the William S. and Gay Banowsky Endowed Scholarship provides grants to students pursuing a master of public policy at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

GAETANO MONTALBANO

BA, Political Philosophy University of Dallas

JOHN AND REBECCA BARTON ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The John and Rebecca Barton Endowed Scholarship was established in memory of Harry E. Shafer and Izelle C. Shafer to support gifted and talented students who, in the judgment of the University, offer great promise for leadership in our country or its supporting institutions.

ASMAA LATIFI

BA, Political Science

California State University, Northridge

BLACK ALUMNI COUNCIL SCHOLAR

The Black Alumni Council Scholarship was established to support students at the School of Public Policy through the generosity of the Black Alumni Council.

JANETH JEPLETING

BA, Political Science Catholic University of Eastern Africa

BOB AND AMY CLARK FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Bob and Amy Clark Endowed Scholarship was established for students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

ALAYA MCKINNEY

BA, Communication Studies

California State University, Northridge

CONSERVATIVE LEADER ENDOWED SCHOLAR

Established by School of Public Policy board member Maureen Grace and supported by a circle of friends, the Conservative Leader Endowed Scholarship Fund shall be restricted to students with financial need pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

MCKENZIE RICHARDS

BA, Political Science

Brigham Young University

DR. FRANK W. AND MRS. SHERRY R. CORNELL ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Dr. Frank W. and Mrs. Sherry R. Cornell Endowed Scholarship provides support for Catholic students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy.

GRACE RALSTIN

BA, Political Science Pacific Lutheran University

DAVID AND SALLY DAVENPORT ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The David and Sally Davenport Endowed Scholarship was established for students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

KATHRYN FORTENBERRY

BA, Economics and Philosophy University of Nebraska-Lincoln

LYNN AND FOSTER FRIESS ENDOWED SCHOLAR

Established by a gift from the National Christian Foundation Giving Fund on behalf of Foster and Lynn Friess and the Friess Family Foundation, the Lynn and Foster Friess Endowed Scholarship shall be restricted to qualified School of Public Policy students who have evidenced leadership based on the principles embedded in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

CHRISTIAN MAYER

BA, International Politics

The Pennsylvania State University

FRITZ ENDOWED SCHOLARS

Founded in 2001 by Lynn C. Fritz, the Fritz Institute is a nonprofit organization designed to partner with governments, nonprofit organizations, and corporations worldwide to innovate solutions and facilitate the adoption of the best practices for rapid and effective disaster response and recovery.

MERY BAGDYAN

BA, Political Science California State University, Northridge

KATHRYN FORTENBERRY

BA, Economics and Philosophy University of Nebraska-Lincoln

RAMON MORENO

BA, Education and Early Childhood Development California State University, Los Angeles

LINDA M. GAGE AWP ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Linda M. Gage AWP Endowed Scholarship was established by Jerry and Kay Cox to provide scholarship support to Church of Christ students with financial need.

CELESTE BENITEZ GALICIA

BA, Political Science Pepperdine University

BERTHA AND JOHN GARABEDIAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund provides assistance to qualified public policy students from Fresno, Kings, Madera, or Tulare counties in California.

NOAH JACKSON

BA, Political Science and Honors Humanities Azusa Pacific University

BRUCE HERSCHENSOHN ENDOWED SCHOLAR

Established by Vi Logan, sister to Bruce Herschensohn, the Bruce Herschensohn Endowed Scholarship was created to support students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

PATRICK GRACE

BA, Political Science Pepperdine University

HISPANIC ALUMNI SCHOLAR

The Pepperdine Hispanic Alumni Council scholarship was designed to support the needs of Latino students through the generosity of the Hispanic Alumni Council.

MARVIN AREVALO

BS, Fraud Examination and Financial Forensics John Jay College of Criminal Justice

PETER AND VERONICA JOHNSON ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Peter and Veronica Johnson Endowed Scholarship provides support to students with financial need who are highly qualified applicants to the School of Public Policy and remain in good standing in all areas of the University.

DOMINIC ROMANI

BA, History Washington State University

RUSSELL AND COLENE JOHNSON ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Russell and Colene Johnson Endowed Scholarship was established for students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

ALAYA MCKINNEY

BA, Communication Studies California State University, Northridge

THOMAS P. KEMP ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Thomas P. Kemp Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006 as a memorial legacy to the Pepperdine regent and avid supporter of the School of Public Policy, Thomas P. Kemp.

COOPER CONWAY

BS, Political Science Boise State University

WILLIAM AND NANCY MORTENSEN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY SCHOLARS

The William and Nancy Mortensen Christian School of Public Policy Scholarship was established for students with a denominational background other than Church of Christ who are in good standing in all areas of the university.

DECLAN MADDERN

BA, Philosophy and Literature Christian Heritage College

TORI MICHAELIAN

BA, Political Science Point Loma Nazarene University

WILLIAM AND NANCY MORTENSEN ENDOWED MINORITY SCHOLARS

The William and Nancy Mortensen Endowed Minority Scholarship was established for minority students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

MARVIN AREVALO

BS, Fraud Examination and Financial Forensics John Jay College of Criminal Justice

BAELY GULBINS

BA, Spanish and Economics Temple University

MIKE E. O’NEAL ENDOWED SCHOLAR

Established by Peter Cheung and Fred Prager, the Mike E. O’Neal Endowed Scholarship Fund was created to aid deserving School of Public Policy students.

EMMA LOTTMAN

BA, Political Science Westmont College

JASON AND OLENA PATES ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Jason and Olena Pates Endowed Scholarship was established for students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

PATRICK GRACE

BA, Political Science Pepperdine University

PETE AND GINA PETERSON ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Pete and Gina Peterson Endowed Scholarship was established for students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

PATRICK GRACE

BA, Political Science Pepperdine University

WALTER AND NANCY POSER ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Walter and Nancy Poser Endowed Scholarship was established for students pursuing a degree at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

DANIELLE MAXWELL NEALLY

BA, Communications California State University, San Bernardino

ALLEN AND MARILYN PUCKETT ENDOWED SCHOLARS

The Allen and Marilyn Puckett Endowed Scholarship was established to provide support for students at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

CADEN BENEDICT BA, Economics Pepperdine University

JORDAN BUENAFE BA, Economics Pepperdine University

CONNOR MERK

AVERY CAUSEY

BA, History and Art History Texas Christian University

HEATHER DOUGAN

BSW, Social Work Freed-Hardeman University

BA, Business and Political Science Virginia Wesleyan University

HARRY E. AND IZELLE C. SHAFER ENDOWED SCHOLAR

The Harry and Izelle Shafer Endowed Scholarship was established in memory of Harry E. Shafer and Izelle C. Shafer to support gifted and talented students who, in the judgment of the University, offer great promise for leadership in our country or its supporting institutions.

NOAH JACKSON

BA, Political Science and Honors Humanities Azusa Pacific University

MARILYN DUNTON SIMPSON ENDOWED SCHOLAR

Established by Marilyn Dunton Simpson in 2009, this scholarship provides support for students at the School of Public Policy who are in good standing in all areas of the University.

MACKENZIE WINTON

BA, History and Political Science Principia College

MAURICE H. STANS ENDOWED SCHOLARS

Established in 1999 by the Stans trust, the Maurice H. Stans Endowed Scholarship was created to provide support for African American students.

JASMINE CAMPOS

BA, Political Science and Honors Humanities

BA, Journalism Azusa Pacific University

COURTNEY LOGIE

MICHAEL HENRY

BA, Political Science Morehouse College

JANETH JEPLETING

BA, Political Science Catholic University of Eastern Africa

BA, Political Science

University of California, Riverside

LESTIAN MCNEAL

BA, Political Science

Francis Marion University

TIERRA RICE

BA, Criminal Justice Azusa Pacific University

TERRALYNN AND EARL SWIFT ENDOWED SCHOLARS

Established in 2006 by Terralynn and Earl Swift, the Terralynn and Earl Swift Endowed Scholarship was created to provide assistance to students interested in studying how people from diverse cultures might discover common values in the context of global interdependency.

VAFA FANALI

BA, Political Science and Government Chapman University

CHRISTIAN MAYER

BA, International Politics

The Pennsylvania State University

FLORA L. THORNTON ENDOWED SCHOLARS

Established by Flora L. Thornton in 2009, this scholarship is a merit-based academic scholarship for students at the School of Public Policy with demonstrated leadership potential.

LAURYN PAYNE

BA, Sociology

SOPHIE COLLINS

BA, International Studies Pepperdine University

CELESTE BENITEZ GALICIA

BA, Political Science Pepperdine University

MATTHEW MARTENS

BA, University Scholars Baylor University

University of California, Santa Barbara

ERIN SCHRANG

BS, Public Service and Policy Arizona State University

ABIGAIL TACKER

BA, History and Philosophy

Texas A&M University

MARGARET TAYLOR

BA, English and Political Science Westmont College

TOCQUEVILLE SCHOLARS PROGRAM

ENDOWED SCHOLARS

Established by the School of Public Policy Board of Advisors and friends, the Tocqueville Scholars Program Endowed Scholarship shall be restricted to students at the School of Public Policy, who have been referred to the program through a P4 partner organization and possess an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.7. Applicants must complete an essay discussing classical liberalism, natural law, and/or the founding of the United States of America, and describing the student’s understanding of and personal response to the same. Recipients must be in good standing in all areas of the University.

JASMINE CAMPOS

BA, Political Science and Honors Humanities

BA, Journalism

Azusa Pacific University

CONNOR MERK

BA, Business and Political Science

Virginia Wesleyan University

LYDELL WARD ENDOWED SCHOLAR

Established by School of Public Policy Board of Advisors member Beti Ward, the Lydell Ward Endowed Scholarship is awarded to qualified female students pursuing a master of public policy.

MCKENZIE RICHARDS

BA, Political Science

Brigham Young University

J. MCDONALD AND JUDY WILLIAMS

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY SCHOLAR

Established by J. McDonald and Judy Williams in 1999, the J. McDonald and Judy Williams School of Public Policy Scholarship is designed to assist deserving School of Public Policy students who are members of Churches of Christ.

ABIGAIL TACKER

BA, History and Philosophy

Texas A&M University

Pepperdine’s Switzerland Campus Hosts

International Leaders for Cybersecurity and Defense Cooperation Conference

On September 23 and 24, 2023, Pepperdine’s newest international campus, Château d’Hauteville in Blonay - Saint-Légier, Switzerland, opened its doors to world leaders for the Cybersecurity and Defense Cooperation Conference, hosted by the Pepperdine School of Public Policy.

With keynote addresses from Liz Truss, former British prime minister, and Kersti Kaljulaid, former president of the Republic of Estonia, the two-part conference fostered an atmosphere conducive to fruitful policy discussions, realizing Pepperdine’s mission for Château d’Hauteville as a place that ignites thoughtful dialogue on matters of global significance.

Co-sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, the Danube Institute, and the Parliamentary Intelligence–Security Forum, the event assembled an intimate cohort of defense-policy experts, international security organization executives, and foreign affairs leaders to discuss European cybersecurity and defense cooperation, with a particular focus on the strategic integration and future relations of NATO.

Ideally located in Switzerland, the epicenter of geopolitical conversations, Château d’Hauteville, a breathtaking 90-acre, 18th-century estate, has been reimagined as both a state-of-the-art university campus and a world-class venue for international leaders in all fields to convene for meaningful conversations. Pete Peterson, dean of the School of Public Policy and Braun Family Dean’s Chair, likened the campus to an ideological haven. “The world of policy and politics can be stress-filled and very fast-paced, not just day to day, but almost minute to minute,” said Peterson.

“The campus here at Château d’Hauteville provides an opportunity for students and guests to disconnect from that world. It’s a world that sometimes requires getting up to the 30,000-foot level to not only to learn, but also to discuss and deliberate over important policy and political decisions.”

In her welcoming remarks, Kiron Skinner, Taube Professor of International Relations and Politics and former director and advisor at the US Department of State, reflected on the similarities between the visions for Pepperdine’s Malibu campus and the new Switzerland campus.

“They are campuses that are born of innovation, insight, and possibility,” she said. “They suggest a commitment to freedom and to faith with their physical beauty, with the intentionality of how they were started, and with the way that the values of George Pepperdine are infused in both of these facilities.”

Conference speakers addressed issues such as opportunities in and risks to cybersecurity in Europe, NATO digital integration, the changing character of war, trends in advanced technology, the defense industrial base, and the future of NATO in view of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“This is Pepperdine at its finest moment—its most innovative act of 2023,” said Skinner. “The future of Europe is happening now. It’s being written in light of the Ukraine war. This campus is central to the conversation about the future of Europe, about the future of the transatlantic alliance. It’s important for our students to be able to be in the heart of that conversation, to help shape it, and to learn about it.”

ALUMNI UPDATES

Lance Christensen (MPP ’04)

Lance Christensen completed 2022 with 3.2 million votes in California in his attempt to be the state’s next superintendent of public instruction. Unfortunately, the strength of incumbency and being outspent 25 to one meant that Christensen could take the lessons he learned and refocus his efforts on education reform in his role as vice president of governmental affairs and education policy at the California Policy Center. He conducted a 13-city “Take Back California Education” tour during the spring of 2023 listening to the concerns of parents and education advocates and soliciting ideas that will improve the Golden State’s K–12 education landscape. Over the last year, Christensen has been one of the top proponents of parental notification policies and helped draft the Protect Kids California ballot initiative that needs 550,000 signatures by mid-April to get on the November general election ballot. He’s also created a candidate academy with his colleagues that prepares anyone interested in running for local office through virtual and in-person training. His goal is for parents to win as many of the 2,500 school board seats on the ballot this year as possible.

Drew Johnson (MPP ’03)

Drew Johnson announced his candidacy for Congress in Nevada’s third congressional district. The Las Vegas-area House race is expected to be one of the most competitive in America and is considered among Republicans’ best chance to flip a Democrat-held seat in 2024.

Johnson is a government watchdog, free market policy analyst, and author who most recently served as a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research and a columnist at Newsmax and Townhall He also founded and served as president of the Beacon Center for Tennessee and worked at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, and the Washington Times

Ariana Romero (MPP ’18)

Ariana Romero is a government and public sector contracts lead, specializing in state, local, and higher education contracts at Deloitte Consulting. Romero also co-chairs women empowerment groups at both Deloitte and the Iranian American Women Foundation. Additionally, she is the on-boarding advisor of the Deloitte government and public sector contracts group.

Alexander Shaw (’15, MPP ’17)

As a US Marine, Alexander Shaw has been selected by the International Affairs Program Experience Track Selection Panel with the additional occupational specialty of Foreign Area Officer for North East Asia. Shaw working with Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force in a field training exercise.

Former US Ambassadors Debate Inevitability of US-China Cold War

On November 15, 2023, a timely and interactive debate on the inevitability of a Cold War between the US and China was held at the School of Public Policy in collaboration with the Steamboat Institute Campus Liberty Tour. Former ambassador Kelley E. Currie, founding partner of Kilo Alpha Strategies and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, argued the affirmative perspective. In 2017, Currie was confirmed as United States Representative to the UN Economic and Social Council and Alternative Representative to the UN General Assembly under ambassador Nikki Haley. Currie’s foreign policy expertise includes human rights, political reform, and nontraditional security issues with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Max Baucus, former US senator representing the state of Montana and ambassador to China under the Obama Administration from 2014 to 2017, argued the negative position. Baucus’ background consists of business, public policy, and international affairs with a wide scope of accomplishments across both domestic and foreign issues. The debate was moderated by the School of Public Policy’s Robert and Katheryn Dockson Professor of Public Policy, Robert G. Kaufman.

The debate emphasized a core value of the School of Public Policy, encouraging students to not neglect the importance of understanding both sides of an argument and the necessity for future leaders to approach viewpoint diversity with civility and professionalism. “There is a time for debate and discussion, and this should be done in a civil way, and then there is time for decision making,” said dean Pete Peterson.

The evening began with a survey of the audience, in which they were asked for their personal opinion on the question, “Is a Cold War between the US and China inevitable?” Fifty-seven percent agreed while 33 percent disagreed and 10 percent remained undecided.

Currie argued that the United States and China are already engaged in a Cold War, and thus, the focus must be directed toward preventing the existing Cold War from becoming an active war. Baucus took a different perspective, asserting that rather than asking “Are we in a Cold War?” we should ask “How can we work alongside China right

Karin Taylor (’87, MS ’02)

now?” He sees no alternative than the two nations identifying mutual interests and working together on economic, social, and geopolitical issues.

The debaters did find common ground regarding the United States’ current interaction with China. “We have allowed them to play a weak hand well, and we have played a strong hand badly,” contended Currie. Both ambassadors agreed that China greatly respects strength, a virtue the US is not displaying effectively. “The key is for the United States to stand tall, to show we can not be pushed around,” stated Baucus.

The debate concluded with a second audience poll of the same question, “Is a Cold War between the US and China inevitable?” to monitor any perspective shifts. This time, the final tallies showed that 74 percent of audience members agreed with the inevitability of a Cold War, 20 percent disagreed, and 6 percent were undecided.

go.pepperdine.edu/steamboat-institute-debate

Transitions to Assistant Director of Career Services at the School of Public Policy

The School of Public Policy is pleased to announce that Karin Taylor will continue to serve the SPP community as assistant director of career services.

Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role as she assumes responsibility for student professional development through internship opportunities, strategic career planning, and job searching. Leading engagement and professional direction, Taylor will serve as a vital resource to the School of Public Policy’s nationwide alumni network.

“I’m so grateful to be able to continue my tenure here at SPP working with the students and alumni,” said Taylor. “My most rewarding jobs here at Pepperdine have been those that serve the students. Seeing the excitement in their eyes with what the future holds for them, and later when they achieve their goals— these are the special moments that we all work toward.”

Taylor has dedicated 35 years of service to Pepperdine University. Of notable experience is her role of manager for the Washington, DC Program where her commitment to student success was evident by her work with Seaver students interning in and around the Washington, DC, area. Her other leadership roles have included athletics annual giving officer with Pepperdine’s advancement team, as well as associate athletics director, and director of student services for Athletics. Most recently, Taylor has applied her depth of experience and commitment to excellence in the Dean’s Office at the School of Public Policy, where she helped to manage administrative operations in areas including human relations, faculty support, and financial records.

A dedicated servant leader for Pepperdine, Taylor is a double alumna who received her BA in social science from Seaver College and a master’s in religion and literature.

Connect with Taylor for job opportunities or available internships by emailing her at karin.taylor@pepperdine.edu.

Policy Creation and Collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Human Services

By Nathan Peterson

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy partnered with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) to host a roundtable discussion centered on human flourishing. Both commissioner Clarence Carter of DHS and dean Pete Peterson are passionate about policy changes that improve government assistance to those in need, while ensuring that those policies do not generate cycles of dependency. Other attendees included Seth Kaplan, author of Fragile Neighborhoods and lecturer at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Ryan Streeter, the director of Domestic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, and other experts and lifelong educators in the realm of human flourishing.

Moderated by deputy commissioner Gary Wilson, the roundtable began with an overview presentation of general human flourishing around the world. Byron Johnson, the project director of the Global Flourishing Study—a research collaboration between scholars at Harvard and Baylor University—provided a glimpse into the recently concluded study showing global unhappiness at historic levels. The issue is not primarily material in nature. Commissioner Carter pointed out that “the idea that poverty is only economic is foolish.” We see the impact of these findings in the younger generations; 62 percent of young adults do not feel they have any purpose in life, leading to a poverty of spirit. All attendees agreed that the solution is not transactional, but rather relational: a whole individual and family approach will be needed if this is to be resolved.

After clarifying the challenges surrounding human flourishing, the panel discussed the core values of a public safety net system. Currently no overarching values have been articulated for the program in Tennessee, which can cause it to lose focus and impact. The values discussed for the Department of Human Services program were: dignity, work, impact, security, and responsibility. These values seek to create enabling conditions for the individual to thrive, while preventing conditions that ensnare them in a cycle of dependency.

With the values of the program identified, the rest of the day centered on collaboratively brainstorming ideas and discussing the challenges and potential solutions of the Temporary Aid for Needy Families program (TANF) at DHS. This program focuses on helping families in temporary need of assistance while giving them the means to become self-sufficient once again.

A pilot program designed to reimagine how the TANF program distributes aid through community partners was launched in Tennessee in 2022. Partners were chosen for their novel solutions in providing assistance, while also providing opportunities and services that empower these families to escape the cycle of poverty and of requiring government help.

We see the impact of these findings in the younger generations; 62 percent of young adults do not feel they have any purpose in life, leading to a poverty of spirit.

Unfortunately, challenges with the program remain. While the plans submitted were unique, they were only as diverse as the TANF statutes allowed, and are constrained to serving those families who qualify—limiting their impact.

Additionally, the TANF program seeks to place government in the role of problem solver, rather than primarily as a convener and capacity builder for organizations that are on the ground executing the solutions. As a convener, government should seek to encourage and promote community organizations to self-organize and collaborate on solving large-scale public safety net challenges. As a capacity builder, the government can effectively support and fund those programs that show proven solutions for greater impact. Lastly, the group discussed reorienting program success measures based on outputs rather than outcomes. Currently, funding for programs drives both how they are implemented and their goals, but the experts argued that the program’s goals and objectives should drive the solutions and their funding. When funding controls the focus, the solutions presented are not as effective or efficient.

As the day came to a close, commissioner Carter reiterated his determination to rethink how safety net programs are administered and organized in Tennessee. Intending to rewrite the book on how programs such as TANF operate, he expressed excitement and appreciation for the partnership that has formed between DHS and Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy—a sentiment echoed by dean Peterson.

Revisiting Broken Windows: Connecting

Theory to Policy for America’s Public Safety

On October 26, 2023, the School of Public Policy hosted a unique gathering of experts to discuss the state of America’s public safety system with a focus on the modern day relevance of James Q. Wilson and George Kelling’s “broken windows theory.” Wilson, who served as an instrumental leader in the founding of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, argued alongside Kelling that the reduction in enforcement of lower-level property crimes creates a foundation of lawlessness that enables higher degrees of felony.

The keynote address was delivered by Rafael Mangual, fellow and head of research for the Policing and Public Safety Initiative at the Manhattan Institute and author of Criminal (In) Justice. Mangual discussed how the broken windows theory is often misinterpreted as “zero tolerance policy” or “stop and frisk.” Originally, however, the theory posited that disorder in a community can escalate to more serious crimes. Mangual also touched on the importance of increasing police morale to maintain a first-rate workforce that effectively maintains community order and well-being.

The first panel, “A Scholarly Review of ‘Broken Windows,’” featured Peter Moskos, professor at the Department of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice Administration of John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City; Naomi Harlin Goodno, professor of law at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law; and David Thacher, associate professor of public policy and urban planning at the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. The conversation was moderated by Kurt Wilson, who serves as the executive director of the Western Riverside Council of Governments.

A key theme throughout the panel was putting the communities’ needs first. “You have to figure out what the broken windows are, and that changes over time,” Moskos stated. The three panelists discussed how policing should work together with the community to establish goals that are reflective of the living environment and the desires of the residents.

Panel two, “Broken Windows at Street Level,” offered advice on recommended police practices and tactics. The discussion was led by ambassador for Braver Angels John Wood Jr. and participants included John McKinney, deputy-incharge of the East Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office; Shelly Zimmerman, retired chief of police of San Diego Police Department; and Matt Ross, principal of Ross & Associates.

The panelists provided an “on the ground” perspective to the application and execution of the broken windows theory and addressed the challenges of a rapidly decreasing police force. They stressed that lower-income communities appreciate the officers in their communities but also ask for mutual respect in return. “Most of the policing is small-town, small-city policing, which is almost inherently community based,” stated McKinney.

The conference concluded with a keynote conversation titled “The Challenge of Connecting Social Science to Social Policy,” between dean Pete Peterson and Steven Teles, professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University. Teles contended that social science ought to rigorously evaluate public safety policies in order to understand which policies truly are successful. He also addressed the importance of communication and cooperation between police and community residents.

Throughout the conference, James Q. Wilson was recognized, not only for his work, but also for his notable contribution to the Pepperdine School of Public Policy quantitative and qualitative curriculum. The school served as Wilson’s academic home from 1999 to 2012 and is dedicated to continuously exploring his work in today’s policy context.

go.pepperdine.edu/broken-window-conference

SPP Welcomes Hannah-Lee Eksteen as the Admissions and Office Manager

The School of Public Policy is pleased to announce the recent hire of Hannah-Lee Eksteen, who serves as the school’s admission and office manager. Eksteen brings exceptional organizational, operational, and administrative experience in the education field from her time as the operations director of Responsive Education Solutions, a Texas K–12 classical education school district, where she established three schools while enhancing and optimizing the operational performance of the existing schools in the district.

Eksteen previously served as a tax consultant in South Africa before joining Deloitte & Touche LLP in Los Angeles as the executive assistant to the lead client service partners and human resources director. Eksteen’s experience offers a range of program management, creativity, business operations, and problem-solving skills to the School of Public Policy.

Eksteen is also a proud mom of four, with one of her children attending Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School and another, Seaver College.

SPP SOUND BITES

“You can run an organization, run businesses, leaning into love, compassion, kinship. If those are your values and everybody in the organization knows those are your values, you are going to be successful in your mission.”

TOM VOZZO

Chief Executive Officer

Homeboy Industries

Social Collective Enterprise Event November 16, 2023

“The imprint of the Hebrew Bible is found on the strands of rhyme across American shores.”

SHAINA TRAPEDO

Resident Scholar and Recruitment Officer, Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought Yeshiva University

Constitution Day 2023: The Hebrew Bible’s Impact on America September 13, 2023

“We are all Americans. We love our country. We may disagree on this policy or that policy, but if we get to the place where we discredit each other as people who love America, that’s when we’ve reached a real problem.”

RONALD C. WHITE

The Trinity Forum Senior Fellow and acclaimed historian and author

The Unlikely Heroism of Joshua Chamberlain with Ronald C. White October 30, 2023

“People in policy and government look for typical metrics and outcomes. But they don’t know how people are actually doing. We should measure what we’ve always measured but also account for other outcomes such as meaning and purpose. We know they’re important but we don’t measure them in most of our work.”

BYRON JOHNSON

Distinguished Visiting Professor of Religious Studies and the Common Good Pepperdine University, School of Public Policy

Why Should Our Leaders Care About Human Flourishing? January 2, 2024

“Our concern for public morality and our concern for civil liberties are rooted in the same consideration and that is the flourishing—the well-being of fulfillment of the human being.”

ROBERT P. GEORGE

Ronald Reagan Honorary Distinguished Professor

Making Men Moral: Civil Liberties and Public Morality November 30–December 1, 2023

Pepperdine University

School of Public Policy

24255 Pacific Coast Highway

Malibu, CA 90263-4494

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY

Pete Peterson (MPP ’07)

Dean

Braun Family Dean’s Chair

James R. Wilburn (MBA ’82)

Dean Emeritus

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Ed Feulner

Steve Forbes

Robert Hertzberg

Frederick Ryan

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Carol Wallace

Chair

Viggo Butler (MBA ’80)

Frank Cornell (MBA ’78, EdD ’04)

Charlotte Florance Day

Ramsey Day

Doug De Groote

Maureen Grace

Peggy Grande (’89)

DEAN’S REPORT

Cynthia Guerrero (MPP ’04)

Jay Hoffman

Glen Holden

Colene Johnson (’68)

Jeffrey Jones (MPP ’02)

Jonathan Kemp (’94, MBA ’07)

Cathryn Kingsbury (’97, MPP ’99)

Donald R. Knabe

Jong Lee

Darrell Levonian

Ernest Maldonado (’76, MP ’80)

Chandra Duistermars

Melton (’99, JD ’02)

Nicole Neily (MPP ’06)

Gary Oakland

Stephen Olson (MBA ’73)

Nishan Partamian

Jason Pates (’95, MPP ’99)

James Piereson

Kasey Pipes

Ronald Plotkin

Gary Polson

Walter Poser

James Puckett (MBA ’12)

Kevin Richardson (JD ’82)

Margaret Sheppard

Eryn Witcher Tillman (’97, MPP ’99)

Keith Tobias

Robert Virtue

Charity Wallace (’97)

Michael Y. Warder, Sr.

Lisa Smith Wengler

Barry L. Wolfe

Johnny Zamrzla

DEAN’S REPORT EDITORIAL TEAM

Editor: Lena Pacifici

Copy Editors:

Sheryl Covey (MDR ’20)

Amanda Pisani

Writers: Zoe Hunt

Lena Pacifici

Nathan Peterson

Pete Peterson (MPP ’07)

UPCOMING EVENTS

For more information and additional events, visit publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu/events