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.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity By The Numbers
Faculty and Staff
Last updated: 10/2/2020. All data is Graziadio-specific.
Students
Board
Gender Parity at Graziadio
Faculty and Staff
Last updated: 12/18/2020. All data is Graziadio-specific.
Students
Board
Defining Diversity at Pepperdine Graziadio
At Pepperdine Graziadio, we are wholeheartedly committed to diversity, equity, and
inclusion. We believe fulfilling our mission of developing Best for the World Leaders includes cherishing every human’s sacred character and celebrating their intrinsic
worth as an unique individual. We are continually striving to build 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.
Voices for Change
The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Diversity Council (GDC) serves as a catalyst for advancing these core principles among our professional community and promoting a School-wide climate that affirms diversity and fosters an inclusive environment for innovation, respect, and equal voices among its members.
Graziadio Board Diversity Scholarship
At the Summer Meeting of the Graziadio Board, Dean Van Rensburg challenged the Graziadio Board to launch a new scholarship. Led by his own gift, Dean Van Rensburg emphasized to the Board that “diversity wins,” and that our school must match Los Angeles in terms of diversity. Board members responded en masse, creating the Graziadio Board Diversity Scholarship, which supports students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Women Making a Difference
At the Pepperdine Graziadio Center for Women in Leadership (CWL), we focus on building your confidence and instilling the strongest sense of competency and readiness for the challenges and rewards of leadership. Through mentorship programs, industry engagement, and research on gender diversity, we contribute to an ongoing dialogue about women in leadership all around the world.
Recent Stories
- National Hispanic Heritage Month: Samuel Mesquita, Content Specialist at Pepperdine Graziadio
- National Hispanic Heritage Month: Rebeca Gaxiola, Senior Recruitment Adviser
- National Hispanic Heritage Month: Maria Flores, Director of Global Programs at Pepperdine Graziadio
- National Hispanic Heritage Month: Christina LeRubio, Director of Executive Education Operations
- National Hispanic Heritage Month: Desiree Williams, Employer Engagement Specialist
at Pepperdine Graziadio
Diversity Initiatives

The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has been a long-standing supporter and sponsor of The PhD Project, which was founded upon the premise that advancements in workplace diversity could be propelled forward by increasing the diversity of business school faculty.

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.

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 President, Jim Gash, proposed to the Steering Team that a Chief Diversity Officer role be created. The proposal was endorsed unanimously and the University is currently undergoing an extensive search for a Chief Diversity Officer.