Student Spotlight
Ahmaad Nowell 
"I feel Pepperdine is ahead of the game when it comes to ethics-centered leadership."
How have your studies at Pepperdine made a difference in your career?
My experiences at Pepperdine have helped me twofold. It has benefited me as a manager through an increased understanding of companies' decisions as well as the ability to understand what motivates different types of individuals. I've also begun using the knowledge I've gained from Pepperdine to start a small consulting business. Through my education and experiences at Pepperdine, I have been able to help some small businesses re-evaluate their sales and marketing strategies and become more successful.
Describe your most rewarding learning experience at Pepperdine.
The most rewarding learning experiences have come through our Education-to-Business (E2B) group projects. In these classes I have been able to apply my learning to real-world situations in a safe environment, which students normally would not get. While this type of class has allowed me the ability to take calculated risks, it also enabled me to learn a great deal from my fellow classmates. These interactions tend to be the most rewarding as I have been challenged to think outside the box.
What do you think makes Pepperdine different than other schools?
I believe Pepperdine is different from other schools because of the faculty. While I'm sure other schools have great professors as well, our professors take the time to really ensure an understanding of all topics. Plus, they are practitioners themselves, so they are not only letting us benefit from their knowledge, they are actively using what they are teaching us in business today.
What were your reasons for choosing Pepperdine?
I chose Pepperdine for a myriad of reasons. From its strong alumni base to the values-centered education, it was all important to me. Given today's increased focus on leaders with values, I feel Pepperdine is ahead of the game when it comes to ethics-centered leadership.
What advice would you give to future students going to business school?
Be ready for an intense few years of education. While you will have some fun times in business school, be ready for an intense workload. This experience has been one of the most challenging journeys I've had to date, but it's also been one of the most rewarding -- educationally and socially.
Who was your favorite professor or class and why?
While all the instructors were great, John Buckingham was my favorite professor. His marketing consulting and G3 (global business) classes really challenged me to look at situations differently. Dealing with current companies needing guidance really brings all our book learning together. It transfers the knowledge from theory into practical application and really drives the points home.
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