Pepperdine Mourns the Loss of Emeritus Professor Dr. Edward Sanford
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School mourns the loss of Dr. Edward Sanford, an esteemed professor of Economics and Statistics, who passed away on January 23, 2025, at the age of 92.
Dr. Sanford dedicated 45 years to academia, serving as a professor at Pepperdine University, Loyola University, the University of Southern California. While at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, he held the position of Department Chair of Economics, Quantitative Methods, and Finance before being named Emeritus Professor. His expertise extended beyond the classroom, contributing to research on antitrust cases for the U.S. Supreme Court and assisting in policy development for House Bills under the Reagan Administration.
A man of deep Christian faith, Dr. Sanford also served as a U.S. Army officer during the Korean War, achieving the rank of lieutenant. Outside of his professional achievements, he was an avid runner and tennis enthusiast, often enjoying California’s sunshine.
“I knew Ed Sanford in a number of roles during our time together at Pepperdine’s Graziadio School. Ed was my Department Chair, in the Economics department; he was my co-author on a number of conference papers; and, most important to me, he was the best friend I had at Pepperdine.”
- Al Hagan, Professor Emeritus of Economics and International Business
“Ed Sanford was a professor who facilitated classroom success. He was exceedingly nice, gentle and courteous, especially to students. While somewhat a distinctive character due to certain views and actions, he was mainstream in his economic thoughts for his time frame. He knew and could convey his economic discipline well. This made him a popular as well as a respected professor to both students and colleagues.”
- Darrol Stanley, Luckman Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Finance and Accounting
Dr. Sanford was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Marie Sanford, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, and extended family.
His legacy as a scholar, mentor, and dedicated public servant will be fondly remembered by the Pepperdine community and beyond.
Read Dr. Sanford’s obituary here.