Profile Excellence in
J
ay Brewster ’86, professor of biology and divisional dean of the Natural Science Division at Seaver College, has been named provost and chief academic officer of Pepperdine University. Brewster, who has served at Pepperdine for 24 years in various capacities, will begin his new role on August 1, 2021. "Working with “Jay Brewster is a person of impeccable character and has demonstrated his gentle yet students is the best profound wisdom in each of the leadership part of my day. It positions he has occupied,” said Pepperdine is wonderful to president Jim Gash in an announcement engage with young to the University community. “He is also a people and to reputable research scientist who embodies explore the world Pepperdine’s commitment to transforming lives through rigorous academics, spiritual through their exploration, and the significance of a life of eyes." purpose.” The announcement follows a rigorous JAY BREWSTER BIOLOGY PROFESSOR nationwide search in which Brewster was photo courtesy Pepperdine University selected out of a pool of six candidates. “Transitioning into the Provost role is Science Division ever since. He has held several appointments both exciting and daunting,” Brewster explained. “I have a on various University committees, including the Howard A. deep respect for President Gash and his vision for Pepperdine. White Award for Teaching Excellence selection committee; I'm looking forward to partnering with him on some truly the Pepperdine accreditation committee for high impact exciting work.” practices; and the Rank, Tenure, and Promotions Committee. Brewster earned an associate’s degree from York, a “I'm here because I believe in Pepperdine as a dedicated bachelor’s degree in science education from Lubbock Christian university, where faculty scholars partner with Christian University, and then his PhD in cell biology and talented students both in the classroom and in our research biochemistry at Rice University in 1993. He completed a environments.” postdoctoral fellowship at McLaughlin Research Institute for When the provost search began, Brewster applied due to Biomedical Sciences but said he missed the undergraduate his relevant experience working as an associate provost for campus environment. several years and serving as a divisional dean. “It is a privilege to work with undergraduates as they “It was not anticipated; I think we had a great group of are taking their first steps into their adult life,” Brewster finalists and I was just excited to be able to go through the said. “Working with students is the best part of my day. It is process,” Brewster said. “But it was really exciting to hear the wonderful to engage with young people and to explore the news, really exciting to talk with President Gash and think world through their eyes.” about the future.” Brewster moved with his family to Malibu from Montana Brewster's dedication to students and their academic to teach at Pepperdine in 1997 and has taught in the Natural ...continued next page
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