Provost

Pepperdine University

Provost Search

Pepperdine University invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications from individuals with a bold vision and commitment to excellence and innovation for the role of Provost.

The University

Named after its founder, George Pepperdine, Pepperdine University (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. Pepperdine professors develop and deliver cutting edge, original scholarship and highly effective classroom teaching within a framework of Christian beliefs and values. Religiously affiliated with Churches of Christ, these ideals derive from both religious heritage and the deep commitment to nurturing and growing Christian values. Pepperdine welcomes students, faculty, and staff from many faiths and backgrounds who value this commitment and advance the University's standing as a premier, global, Christian educational institution.

Pepperdine University boasts top-ranked graduate and undergraduate programs, offers 82 degrees, has a 13:1 teacher ratio, and is ranked #49 among National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report. Pepperdine’s academic units include: Seaver College, Caruso School of Law, Graziadio Business School, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Public Policy. Seaver College, the School of Law, and the School of Public Policy are located on the University’s main campus in Malibu. The Graduate School of Education and Psychology and the Graziadio School of Business and Management are headquartered at Pepperdine’s West Los Angeles campus, as well as having a presence on the Malibu campus. These two graduate programs also have campuses located throughout Southern California. In addition, the University maintains campuses in Washington, D.C. and in six countries located around the world.

The Position

The Provost reports directly to the President and holds primary responsibility for directing the University’s academic programs, ensuring faculty scholarship, student learning, accreditation, and academic initiatives. The Provost oversees the selection, support, and development of an increasingly accomplished faculty. The Provost interviews all tenure-track faculty and participates in the determination of tenure. The Provost works closely with the faculty, serving as a member of the University Faculty Council. The Provost is an administrative liaison to the Academic Affairs Committee and the Faith and Heritage Committee of the Board of Regents.

As chair of the Deans’ Council, the Provost works closely with the Deans of the schools and libraries on issues related to planning and management of academic resources. The Provost oversees the following units: University libraries, Office of the Registrar, the Office of Institutional Effectiveness; the Office of Sponsored Programs; the Office of Information Technology; the Office of Student Accessibility; the Center for Faith and Learning; the Center for Entertainment, Media and Culture; the University Spiritual Life Committee; and the University Housing Committee. The Provost serves on the University Diversity Council, the University Faculty Council, the University Management Committee, and the Emergency Operations Committee. In addition, the Provost represents the University at various official functions, presiding at graduations and annual convocations, as well as at other community events.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

The requirements for the position include significant senior managerial experience in higher education and a notable record of scholarly contributions and teaching. The successful candidate must have:

• An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree.
• A record of outstanding scholarship that allows full professor rank and tenure in one of Pepperdine’s academic departments.
• An administrative record at a relevant institution that demonstrates strong collaborative academic management experience, sound judgment, and excellent analytical skills.
• A strong understanding and respect of the institution’s Christian identity to carry out its mission and values. Further, the Provost will work with the President and Deans to maintain and strengthen the institution’s relationship with Churches of Christ.
• A deeply-rooted, personal, mature, and active Christian faith.
• A high regard for the practice and tradition of collegial, shared governance, with a particular concern for transparent decision-making, and a desire to protect and encourage Pepperdine’s innovative character.
• A commitment to student success.
• A dedication to strengthening academic quality, teaching excellence, scholarly research, service, and diversity.
• A history of working with diverse people and building inclusive communities in which participants feel a sense of belonging and fulfilment.

To view the Pepperdine 2020 Year in Review, visit: https://youtu.be/IwJJlCwPmPI; to read the position profile, visit: https://www.storbeckpimentel.com/pd/Pepperdineprovost.pdf;

and for additional information regarding Pepperdine University and the Provost search, visit: https://www.pepperdine.edu/about/administration/president/provost-search/.   

Application Process

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Nomination letters should include the name, position, address, and telephone number of the nominee. All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence. Applicants must submit:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae.
• A cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position.
• The names and contact information of three references.
• A statement indicating how the candidate will support the Christian values of the University and the mission of Pepperdine University.

Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted by email to:

Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner or

Emy Peña, Partner

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates

6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601

Email: apsearch@storbeckpimentel.com

Refer to “Pepperdine-Provost” in the subject line

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire, and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists. It is the intent of the University to create and promote a diverse work force consistent with its stated goals and mission.

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