DEAN’S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM 2021–2022

Helen Easterling Williams

Former Dean and Professor of Education

Robert deMayo

Associate Dean of Psychology and Professor Psychology

Farzin Madjidi, (MBA ‘88, EdD ‘91) Interim Dean 2022–2023 Professor of Leadership

Lonnie McNamee (MA ’13, EdD ’17) Assistant Dean of Faculty Development and Administrative Affairs

Natasha Thapar-Olmos

Assistant Dean of Online Psychology Programs and Associate Professor of Psychology

Stephanie Woo

Assistant Dean of Online Psychology Programs and Professor of Psychology

Erika Kercheval

Executive Assistant to the Dean

Shanetta Weatherspoon (EdD ’13) Executive Director, Foster Grandparent Program

Yas Hardaway

Executive Director, Career Services

Luke Phillips

Executive Director, Marketing and Enrollment

Michelle Blas (MA ’12) Senior Director, Student Success

Hairong Gi Senior Director, Finance

Vanessa Jahn (’99) Cultural Attaché

Laura Galloway

Director, Development

Renee Dorn (EdD ’13) Director, Alumni Relations

Farzin Madjidi was appointed interim dean of GSEP effective August 1, 2022. As a member of the Pepperdine community, from a graduate student, to a faculty member, to associate dean of the Education Division, he has been an exceptional scholar and practitioner in leadership, technology, and diversity.

After serving as the inaugural assistant dean of online psychology programs, Natasha Thapar-Olmos stepped down from her position to serve as associate professor and PsyD research coordinator. Stephanie Woo joined the dean’s executive leadership team as the new assistant dean of online psychology programs.

Under the leadership of Robert deMayo, the Psychology Division continues to be a model of constructive initiatives promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and initiating important antiracism efforts across all its programs. The division is engaged in meaningful dialogue and collaborative planning to ensure that the curriculum will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to serve diverse communities experiencing the trauma of racism and other forms of oppression.