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Pepperdine | Graziadio Business School
Diverse group of students at the Malibu Pier

Diversity and Inclusion at Graziadio

Pepperdine is a Christian University fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our faith cherishes the sacred dignity of every human being and celebrates diversity as a true representation of God's love and creative expression. We endeavor to build a diverse community that fully engages the transformative educational process across expressions of human difference.

Therefore, we strive toward academic excellence and a shared sense of belonging with the understanding that a broad range of diverse perspectives enriches the quality of our learning, scholarship, and leadership.

Resources

 

Racial and Ethnic Diversity By The Numbers

 

Faculty and Staff

Diversity chart of Graziadio faculty and staff

Last updated: 10/4/2022. All data is Graziadio-specific.

Students

Diversity chart of Graziadio students

Board

Diversity chart of Graziadio board

 

Gender Parity at Graziadio

 

Faculty and Staff

Gender pie graph - faculty and staff

Last updated: 10/4/2022. All data is Graziadio-specific.

Students

Students Gender bar-chart

Board

Gender pie graph - Graziadio board

 

Our Commitment to Diversity at Pepperdine Graziadio

At Pepperdine Graziadio, we are wholeheartedly committed to diversity, equity, and community belonging. We believe fulfilling our mission of developing Purpose-Driven Leaders includes cherishing every human’s sacred character and celebrating their intrinsic worth as a unique individual. We are building a diverse community of leaders that fully undergoes and contributes to the transformative educational experiences that Graziadio offers. We aspire to send a message to all that anyone who chooses to be part of our values-based community, you are welcome here.

At Pepperdine Graziadio, we welcome, respect, and support a community encompassing a diverse range of backgrounds and identities (ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, age, and physical ability). This allows everyone to widen their business and social perspective and to cultivate Purpose-Driven Leaders.

Equity means equal opportunity for all—regardless of background or circumstance. Pepperdine Graziadio aspires to provide unparalleled access to resources, information, and opportunities to individuals both inside and out of our Pepperdine family. Building upon a strong foundation of respect and dignity, we ensure everyone receives fair treatment, recognition, and consideration as both an employee and student of our ever-evolving academic community.

As we continue to expand our global footprint, we actively seek a culture of inclusion by inviting all people’s contributions and participation. We recognize that everyone has a voice and deserves a chance to be heard and showcase their potential to the fullest extent. We know one person is not representative of an entire community, and therefore we allow all members within Graziadio to be their most authentic selves and share their voices. By continuously encouraging our community members to play an active role in Graziadio's story, we can accumulate a diverse representation of all that we are as an institution founded on values-based leadership.

Belonging refers to how people feel they fit into their organization in all aspects of the workplace. This includes facets such as onboarding, career development, and team structures. Motivated by its Christian mission, Graziadio aims to instill a sense of belonging at the very core of our community through employee development programs, employee resources, culture and sensitivity education, and emphasis on work-life balance. Whether you’re a student, faculty, staff, or alumni, you will always find a home at Pepperdine Graziadio.

 

 

 

Graziadio Diversity Council (GDC)

The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Diversity Council (GDC) serves as a catalyst for advancing these core principles among our professional community and promoting a University-wide culture that affirms diversity and fosters an inclusive environment for innovation, respect, and equal voices among its members.

Meet the Team

Diversity council member at whiteboard


Graziadio Board Diversity Scholarship

Focused on cultivating an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, the Graziadio School Diversity Scholarship supports students of minority and diverse backgrounds who are pursuing an advanced business degree. This scholarship is in conjunction with the Pepperdine Graziadio Board.

Diverse students attending class on a scholarship


Center for Women in Leadership (CWL)

The Center for Women in Leadership (CWL) at Graziadio, was established to empower the women of our community to competently navigate the challenges and rewards of leadership.

Through mentorship programs, industry engagement, and research on gender diversity, the center contributes to an ongoing dialogue - championing the advancement of women in leadership around the world.

Women leaders at CWL conference

 

Community Stories

Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown on the Value of Diversity in Higher Education
Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown on the Value of Diversity in Higher Education

Overcoming the challenges of fitting into a conformist society wasn’t going to stop Harvard University graduate and PICMET awardee, Charla Griffy-Brown, from achieving her dreams. It is through the guidance of her diverse peers and the support of institutions that foster inclusivity, that Charla attributes her success.
Cultivating a Culture of Inclusivity with Latinx MBA Conexion
Cultivating a Culture of Inclusivity with Latinx MBA Conexion

The purpose of Latinx MBA Conexion is to create a place of fellowship for Latinx students. Dive into the club’s mission and how to get involved with LMC in this feature.
Harnessing the Power of Diversity and Inclusion in Business: June Edition
Harnessing the Power of Diversity and Inclusion in Business: June Edition

We are committed to providing an “open table” - an inclusive educational environment, where diversity remains at the heart of who we are. Celebrate diversity with us in this exclusive feature.
National Hispanic Heritage Month: Alex Herrera
National Hispanic Heritage Month: Alex Herrera

National Hispanic Heritage Month honors Hispanic Americans each year. In this post, we're featuring one of our very own staff members Alex Herrera.
National Hispanic Heritage Month: Desiree Williams
National Hispanic Heritage Month: Desiree Williams

National Hispanic Heritage Month honors Hispanic Americans each year. In this post, we're featuring one of our very own staff members Desiree Williams.

Diversity Initiatives

 

Diversity action group at beach
Presidential Action Advisory Team

Pepperdine President, Jim Gash, has commissioned a Presidential Action Advisory Team to make recommendations on tangible steps that Pepperdine can collectively implement to embody a diverse, loving, and unified community.

Pepperdine University Council
University Diversity Council

The Pepperdine University Diversity Council (UDC) is a University-wide council composed of faculty, staff, and students who join with senior management in a collaborative effort to create strategic plans and goals for diversity.

Pepperdine University entrance stone
Meet Dr. J. Goosby Smith, Chief Diversity Officer of Pepperdine

In March of 2021, Dr. J. Goosby Smith was named the chief diversity officer and inaugural vice president for community belonging at Pepperdine University. Dr. Smith reports directly to President Jim Gash, serves as a member of the University’s Steering Team, and is a principal leader on the University Diversity Council

 

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