Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Appoints David Smith as Interim Dean

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has appointed David Smith as Interim Dean, effective April 18. He succeeds Deborah Crown, the School's 10th dean.

A longtime member of the Graziadio faculty, Smith brings more than two decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. He currently serves as a professor of economics and has had the privilege of teaching in nearly every Pepperdine Graziadio program during his tenure. His deep institutional knowledge and commitment to student success position him well to guide the School during this transitional period.

Smith has held several key leadership roles at Graziadio, including department chair and senior associate dean. He previously served as the School's 8th dean, which provided him with a unique perspective and a proven track record of leadership within the institution.

Before entering academia, Smith spent nearly a decade working in the insurance industry, bringing valuable real-world business insight into his teaching and scholarship. His academic expertise focuses on labor economics, including compensation analysis and labor market dynamics. He has consulted across industries and has frequently served as an expert witness in cases involving economic loss.

An active contributor to the broader academic community, he has published widely in both academic and practitioner journals, and his work on credit unions has been cited in arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court and in state legislative hearings.

Smith has also been a trusted voice in national and international media, offering expert commentary on economic issues for outlets including CNN, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College and earned both his master's and doctoral degrees in economics from Michigan State University.

As Interim Dean, Smith will advance Graziadio's mission to develop leaders of purpose while ensuring continuity in academic excellence, student experience, and strategic priorities.