Pepperdine University President's Report 2023

Light Salt

Truth

Our Mission

Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

SALT,

The truth we pursue at Pepperdine is anchored by the principles and promises revealed in the infallible word of God.

—JIM GASH

From the President

One of the advantages of living and working at a place like Pepperdine University— bookended as it is by the fierce and fluid ocean and the rocky and resilient mountains —is our campus’s distinct venue hovering over the vast Pacific. While our elevated location creates a subtle divide between the “city” and the “hill,” I believe it also sets us apart to display our best to the world—our “salt” and “light.” We have, indeed, been positioned, entrusted, and empowered to radiate to the rest of the world the love of God—who is our source of truth and light—and the power of our mission.

At Pepperdine, truth has been inextricably linked to everything we do and embedded in everything we believe. In our affirmation statement, Pepperdine’s fundamental guiding document, we declare that “truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, must be pursued relentlessly in every discipline.” It has never been more important than today to pledge our commitment to this assertion as we position Pepperdine to be the university that is developing people of integrity and character who personify the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” While pursuing truth in every discipline requires the essential elements of critical thinking, open-mindedness, ethics, and discernment familiar to any scholar, the truth we pursue at Pepperdine is anchored by the principles and promises revealed in the infallible word of God.

Looking back at all the ways Pepperdine shined in the last year, I see clearly how our focus on truth moved us to even greater heights. I see how the fruits of our faith resonated both within our community and beyond, while seasoning the world with our devotion to Christ and love for our neighbors. Within our community, and in the midst of unspeakable tragedy, we stood together while we grieved and comforted each other as those who are not without hope in the afterlife to come. Beyond our community and around the globe, we put our light on a stand by serving others in humility and rooting our heart and hands and feet in the truth of Christ to the glory of God our Father.

Looking forward, as we engage in scholarship and learning, let us remember that our pursuit of truth is not an end unto itself but a means to shine light on the challenges facing our world. In our continued quest for knowledge and wisdom, let us seek to be the salt that enriches and preserves the values that define our community. Let us embrace the responsibility that comes with being salt and light, infusing our learning with purpose, character, and a commitment to serving others. May our actions and words reflect the transformative power of love, compassion, and grace and, by doing so, contribute to the flourishing of our community and fulfill our calling to make a lasting impact on the world.

Sincerely,

JIM GASH President and CEO

Light, Salt, and Truth

In the fifth chapter of Matthew, verse 14 reads, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can not be hidden.” But just before these powerful and life-giving lines, Jesus asserts a phrase just as paradigmatic: “You are the salt of the earth.” In this excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount, the verse tells us the importance of letting the light of the gospel and the light of the Lord’s words shine in and through our lives so we may radiate his truth. It also implores us to use our God-given “flavor” to enhance and magnify the grace of God via our essential ingredient: our faith. And while salt and light take center stage in this excerpt, the heart of the sermon remains focused on spreading truth: the sacrificial goodness, righteousness, and teachings of Christ.

One of Jesus’ longest and most popular sermons, the Sermon on the Mount utilizes two fundamental and vital elements that illuminate and preserve life on earth. Like salt and light, God’s people are called to reveal and enhance God’s truth to enlighten the world with their faithfulness. As disciples of Christ, we are called not only to be devoted, but also to demonstrate Jesus’ example throughout the days of our lives. Truth, then, is the unifying, absolute, and unchanging force that binds individuals together in a shared understanding of God’s will and purpose.

As we engage in research, dialogue, and the pursuit of truth, we must be the light that guides, inspires, and transforms; the bearers of the divine message of righteousness and goodness; and the salt that enhances and preserves the essential qualities that make Pepperdine a beacon of intellectual and

ethical distinction. Just as truth illuminates and salt preserves, the Pepperdine community has the responsibility to safeguard our core values of integrity, respect, and excellence, the bedrock upon which we stand. Likewise, the metaphor of light encourages us to be lamps of hope, knowledge, and truth so that our collective commitment to learning, service, and faith can brighten the path for others. At Pepperdine, students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to be the salt and the light and to “call the nations” (Isaiah 55:5) to the table of the kingdom of God with their steadfastness. Members of the Pepperdine family are not merely participants in an educational institution; we are entrusted with a greater purpose, one that underscores the transformative and positive impact that followers of Christ are called to have on the world.

You are the light of the world . A city on a hill can not be hidden.

The President’s Speaker Series once again brought distinguished thought leaders to Malibu. Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House, spoke with President Gash and Taube Professor of International Relations and Politics Kiron Skinner about “The State of Freedom Around the World” in March. In April, Jon Clifton, chief executive officer of Gallup, explored “The Global Rise of Unhappiness and How Leaders Missed It” and shared five elements central to well-being that government and industry leaders can focus on to improve constituents’ lives.

Pepperdine Gives, the University’s annual day of giving, raised a record-breaking $1.7 million. Nearly 3,000 individuals comprising faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University contributed during the 24-hour period on October 4, 2023, and showed support for the initiatives and programs they were most passionate about.

Yeshiva University president Rabbi Ari Berman discussed “Challenges and Opportunities of Faith-Based Higher Education Institutions” at the President’s Speaker Series event held in October 2023. In discussion with President Gash, Berman addressed today’s pressing topics in higher education, including the differences between secular and faith-based universities, the benefits of attending a faithbased school, and the recent global events impacting the Jewish community worldwide.

Thomas H. Knudsen (’91), was named Pepperdine’s general counsel in March. Knudsen was general counsel for California Lutheran University from 2022 to 2023. He had served in the Pepperdine general counsel’s office as associate general counsel and deputy general counsel from 2007 to 2022, engaging in a broad range of legal matters for the University.

The official groundbreaking of the Mountain at Mullin Park took place on Founder’s Day in September. The Mountain will house a state-ofthe-art arena and serve as an event, recreation, wellness, and social center for students. Following remarks by University leadership, President Gash was joined by Dee Anna Smith (’86), chair of the Board of Regents; Phil Phillips (’88, JD ’92), executive vice president and chief operating officer; Ben Veenendaal (’02), associate vice president for planning, operations, and construction; Sara Young Jackson (’74), chancellor; Tim Perrin, senior vice president for strategic implementation; and Greg Ramirez (’03), chief financial officer, in the ceremonial first dig.

The Sudreau Global Justice Institute assisted several new partner countries in strengthening the Rule of Law and engaged with more than 50 students in its one-of-a-kind prison projects and internship opportunities. In Uganda, Pepperdine students and the institute’s teams of attorneys helped achieve justice for more than 2,000 clients. In Rwanda, the institute worked in partnership with the judiciary to complete the first year of plea bargaining for several thousand clients who were given access to justice. In West Africa, the institute helped launch Ghana’s very first public defender’s office and worked with the attorney general of Lagos, Nigeria, to deliver a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Justice for strategic recommendations for increased access to justice in Lagos.

Actor Chris Pratt gave the keynote address at the University’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, September 11, 2023, to a record-setting audience of more than 1,000 Pepperdine students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The 2,977 flags that compose the University’s annual Waves of Flags display served as the ceremony’s backdrop. Following the keynote address, Pratt joined Seaver College student Colton Cherry to plant the final flag in honor of Cherry’s father, Stephen, who died in the attacks.

20+

On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Pepperdine opened the doors of the Château d’Hauteville, a 90-acre, 18th-century estate in Blonay - Saint-Légier overlooking Lake Geneva in Switzerland. In a historic moment that was the culmination of more than eight years of exploration, negotiation, and renovation, President Gash cut the ceremonial orange ribbon, officially opening the campus. The château encompasses a 40,400-square-foot, three-story residential château that dates to the 1760s; an orangerie that has been converted into a 150-seat dining hall; a gatehouse; a gardener’s house; a barn; and a greenhouse, as well as Frenchstyle formal gardens, tree-lined pathways, an outdoor pavilion, a vegetable and herb garden, woods, vineyards, and a 67-acre working farm.

The first class of students to call the château home arrived in August. In addition to its function as an enriching learning environment, the University’s newest international campus serves as a world-class venue for retreats, conferences, and lectures on topics of global and international significance. In September, the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution held the château’s inaugural international event, followed by a conference on European cybersecurity hosted by the School of Public Policy.

The School of Public Policy hosted the Cybersecurity and Defense Cooperation Conference at the Château d’Hauteville in September 2023. The event, led by Kiron Skinner, Taube Professor of International Relations and Politics at the School of Public Policy, 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. Keynote speakers included Liz Truss, former British prime minister, and Kersti Kaljulaid, former president of the Republic of Estonia.

The PeppVet Center, Pepperdine’s first oncampus resource center dedicated to veterans and military-connected undergraduate and graduate students, opened in November 2023.

Led by Eric Leshinsky, director of student veteran affairs, the PeppVet Center, located on the first floor of the Thornton Administrative Center, will guide students through their transition to civilian life and serve as a space for students’ academic, career, and personal development. In addition, the center will provide military-connected students with a physical place for support, mentorship, and guidance and increase institutional awareness related to issues impacting these students.

In June Pepperdine began investigating the establishment of a school of health sciences, driven in part by the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Upon the announcement, former vice provost Lee Kats assumed the role of interim dean of Seaver College and former Seaver College dean Michael Feltner took the lead on the academic exploration of the venture in his new role of dean of academic initiatives.

Pepperdine was awarded the EAB 2022 Technology Pioneer award for innovative leadership in student success in the fall. Working with individuals from OneStop, the Student Success Center, Athletics, Integrated Marketing Communications, Information Technology, and the Seaver Dean’s Office, senior associate dean Kendra Killpatrick led the college in its implementation of Navigate, a student success platform. The platform not only allows students to make appointments, but it also facilitates their creation of a four-year academic plan.

The Heidelberg international program celebrated its 60th anniversary with the Heidelberg Grand Reunion that drew more than 600 Heidelberg alumni, faculty, and staff, who reconnected and reminisced at the Brock House. The event was held during the annual Waves Weekend, which welcomed a record number of alumni—more than 500—to the Malibu campus.

Financial Report

$1.2 billion

The University’s FY23 ENDOWMENT funds

$1.7 billion

Value of FY23 NET ASSETS maintained by the University

70.3 % 10-year total endowment GROWTH

Tim Spivey (’97, MS ’00, MDiv ’00) was named Pepperdine’s vice president for spiritual life in December.

Spivey leads the University’s Hub for Spiritual Life in its Christian ministries and related programs, including community engagement and service. He also provides pastoral care and ministry to the student body. Spivey had previously served as a senior minister at churches in California and Texas.

The Well worship service hosted best-selling author and speaker Sadie Robertson Huff and Hillsong Young & Free member Aodhan King, who led worship alongside the Well band and set attendance records at the Amphitheatre on the Malibu campus.

A sold-out crowd of nearly 3,000 attended the third annual Pepperdine Worship Summit in the Firestone Fieldhouse. The spirit-filled evening featured GRAMMY-nominated worship leader Phil Wickham, an inspiring message from author and speaker Jonathan Evans, and music from United Voice Worship.

The Center for Faith and the Common Good partnered with multinational organizations for a first-of-its-kind, multiyear study in Colombia’s prison system. Among its chief goals, the study will measure the efficacy of international prison programs in offender rehabilitation. Led by Pepperdine University and Prison Fellowship International, the study findings will be applied to identify best practices that drive meaningful change in the lives of prisoners and their families around the world.

Harbor: The Pepperdine Bible Lectures celebrated its 80th anniversary in May with the theme of “God Loves Forever.” The multiday conference featured more than 100 speakers, including a number of Pepperdine faculty and staff members.

Pepperdine finished first in the Division I-AAA Athletic Directors Association All-Sports standings for the second consecutive year. This was the Waves’ fifth time winning the All-Sports Trophy, which recognizes success throughout the academic year. Seven teams—men’s water polo, men’s golf, women’s golf, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, men’s volleyball, and beach volleyball—finished with top-25 national rankings, and eight teams competed at NCAA Championships or NCAA Regional events.

93%

Graduation SUCCESS RATE for student-athletes, three points higher than the national rate

Jessica Hooten Wilson (’04) was named the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Seaver College. Known as a leading scholar and advocate for Great Books, the humanities and liberal arts, and Christian higher education throughout her distinguished career in higher education, Wilson will further Pepperdine’s tradition of producing students with astute criticalthinking skills and shepherd Seaver students toward success both at Pepperdine and in post-graduate careers and study.

The Pepperdine Law Review at the Caruso School of Law commemorated its 50th anniversary with a symposium titled “All Rise: The Future of the Federal Judiciary” in March. The symposium featured US district court and circuit courts judges, along with esteemed scholars from across the country, to discuss the issues facing the federal judiciary and ideas for reform.

The Caruso School of Law partnered with Tuskegee University for an accelerated degree program. The program allows students at Tuskegee, one of the country’s 104 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, to apply to the law school during their junior year at the college, ultimately earning an undergraduate degree and juris doctor in six years.

CARUSO SCHOOL OF LAW ranked number 45 by U.S. News & World Report in 2023–2024 rankings, its best ranking in history, rising seven points from the previous year. # 45

Farzin Madjidi (MBA ’88, EdD ’91) was appointed dean of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), beginning his tenure on August 1, 2023. Madjidi has a long history of service to Pepperdine, having taught at the Graziadio Business School before joining the GSEP faculty in 1997. He served as the associate dean of the school’s Education Division for six years prior to becoming the interim dean for the 2022 fiscal year. Madjidi is known for his excellence as an instructor and for his commitment to students’ pursuit of community service and success as leaders.

The Graziadio Business School hosted the fifth annual Most Fundable Companies showcase event in October 2022 presented by the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy & Entrepreneurship featuring a keynote address by Graziadio alumna Kim Folsom (MBA ’02), founder and CEO of Founders First Capital Partners, Inc. The event unveiled the 16 winners of the startup competition, which were selected from more than 4,000 startups from all 50 states using a comprehensive submission and review process powered by the Venture Alliance. The showcase event introduced the audience to a remarkable set of companies and kicked off a series of opportunities to interact with the winners, sponsors, council members, and Pepperdine Graziadio staff.

Victor Davis Hanson returned to Pepperdine to serve as the inaugural Terry Giles and Kalli O’Malley Distinguished Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy. Hanson, the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and former William E. Simon Distinguished Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy, will teach a course each fall in perpetuity through the endowment related to his scholarly expertise in applied history, military history, and American political culture.

The School of Public Policy celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The evening featured a keynote conversation between Robert C. O’Brien, former national security advisor and Distinguished Senior Fellow, and Kiron Skinner, Taube Professor of International Relations and Politics.

Notable Research Grants

TEMPLETON RELIGION TRUST

$1.5M for Covenantal Pluralism Project

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

$500,000 for Hawaiian coral reef research

WILLIAM AND FLORA HEWLETT FOUNDATION

$350,000 for Cybersecurity: Global Engagements and Partnerships

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

$425,000 + for study of the lone star tick

University Administration

University administration works with the Board of Regents to shape policy and direction for the University.

Executive Leadership

James A. Gash (JD ’93)

President and Chief Executive Officer

Sara Young Jackson (’74) Chancellor

Jay L. Brewster Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Sean Burnett Senior Vice President for Integrated Marketing Communications and Chief Marketing Officer

Lila McDowell Carlsen Interim Vice Provost

Lauren W. Cosentino (’97, MBA ’12)

Vice President for Advancement and Chief Development Officer

Daniel J. DeWalt Vice President and Chief of Staff

Gary A. Hanson (JD ’80) Senior Executive Vice President

Connie Horton (’82) Vice President for Student Affairs

Thomas H. Knudsen (’91) General Counsel

L. Timothy Perrin

Senior Vice President for Strategic Implementation

Phil Phillips (’88, JD ’92) Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Greg G. Ramirez (’03) Chief Financial Officer

Jeffrey Rohde (’10) Chief Investment Officer

J. Goosby Smith

Vice President for Community Belonging and Chief Diversity Officer

Tim Spivey (’97, MS ’00, MDiv ’00) Vice President for Spiritual Life

Nicolle Taylor (’98, JD ’02) Vice President and Chief Business Officer

Academic Deans

Lee Kats

Interim Dean

Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences

Paul L. Caron

Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean

Caruso School of Law

Deborah Crown

Dean

Graziadio Business School

Farzin Madjidi (MBA ’88, EdD ’91)

Dean

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Pete N. Peterson (MPP ’07)

Dean

School of Public Policy

Michael E. Feltner

Dean

Academic Initiatives

Mark S. Roosa

Dean of Libraries

Board of Regents

The Board of Regents is the legal governing body and chief policy board of the University. Life Regents are recognized and honored for their extraordinary service as past regents.

Life Regents*

Joe R. Barnett

Sheila K. Bost

Thomas G. Bost

Jerry S. Cox

Terry M. Giles (JD ’74)

Dee Anna Smith (’86)

Chair

Frederick L. Ricker Vice Chair

Jay S. Welker Secretary

John T. Lewis (’83) Assistant Secretary

Alan Beard (’94, MPP ’99)

Edwin L. Biggers

Dale A. Brown (’64)

Shelle Ensio

James A. Gash (JD ’93)

Seth A. Haye (’02)

Jeremy L. Johnson (’02, MBA ’04)

Peter J. Johnson, Jr.

Dennis S. Lewis (’65)

Kimberly J. Lindley

Virginia F. Milstead (JD ’04)

Michael T. Okabayashi

John L. Plueger

Cicely D. Simpson

Stephen M. Stewart

Charlie Walker (JD ’15)

Eric S. Wolford (’88)

Michelle R. Hiepler (JD ’89)

Glen A. Holden

Gail E. Hopkins, (’66, MA ’74)

Jerry E. Hudson

John D. Katch (’60)

Eff W. Martin

James R. Porter

Russell L. Ray, Jr.

Travis E. Reed

Susan F. Rice (EdD ’86)

Carol Richards

B. Joseph Rokus (’76)

Rosa Mercado Spivey

William W. Stevens, Jr.

Thomas J. Trimble

Robert L. Walker (MA ’66)

J. McDonald William

* Nonvoting Regents

University Board

The Pepperdine University Board comprises business, professional, and civic leaders who demonstrate their confidence in the University’s distinctive mission. Quarterly meetings provide an opportunity for members to offer counsel and guidance on important policy matters and to hear timely reports from the president, administrators, professors, and students.

Pat Boone Co-Chair

Marlyn Day (’90, JD ’94) Co-Chair

Marc E. Andersen

Robert J. Barbera

William W. Beazley (MBA ’81)

Paul F. Bennett

Ronald Berryman (’62, MBA ’67)

Paula J. Biggers

Stephen Birch (MDR ’17, EdD ’18)

Jeffrey E. Bjork (’95)

Viggo Butler (MBA ’80)

Junmei Cai (MBA ’17)

James A. Cardwell, Jr.

Nachhattar S. Chandi

Frank W. Cornell III (MBA ’78, EdD ’04)

Lindsay A. Costigan (MBA ’07)

Maureen Duffy-Lewis

Christopher D. Farrar (’89)

David F. Fernandez (BSM ’07)

Jordan R. Fish (JD ’17)

Blair Franklin (MBA ’92, DBA ’21)

Hank Frazee

Christopher A. Garcia (’11)

James A. Gash (JD ’93)

Sara Young Jackson (’74)

Grant Johnson (’96)

Katherine C. Keck

Mary Anne Keshen

Carl J. Lambert (’78)

Dina Leeds

Takuji Masuda (’93, MFA ’17)

John F. Monroe (’79)

Gary Oakland

Joshua K. Oder (’98)

Stephen E. Olson (MBA ’73)

Joseph O. Oltmans II

Gregory M. Outcalt (’84)

Michael C. Palmer

Roxanne Phillips

Kasey S. Pipes

Darren D. Pitts (MBA ’95)

Walter L. Poser

J. Anthony Precourt, Jr. (’93)

Kelly Roberts

Mike Ross

Christopher A. Ruud (’93)

Joseph J. Schirripa

Margaret A. Sheppard

Charles W. Shields (’86)

Lisa Smith Wengler

Richard L. Stack

William G. Stephens

George E. Thomas

William R. Warne

Ellen L. Weitman

Larry L. Westfall

Jeremy N. White (MA ’94)

Christa Zofcin

Workman (’97, MBA ’00, JD ’01)

Pepperdine University affirms

That God is

That God is revealed uniquely in Christ

That the educational process may not, with impunity, be divorced from the divine process

That the student, as a person of infinite dignity, is the heart of the educational enterprise

That the quality of student life is a valid concern of the University

That truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, should be pursued relentlessly in every discipline

That spiritual commitment, tolerating no excuse for mediocrity, demands the highest standards of academic excellence

That freedom, whether spiritual, intellectual, or economic, is indivisible

That knowledge calls, ultimately, for a life of service.