Dr. John Paglia Named Professor Emeritus After 25 Years of Distinguished Service

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is excited to announce that Dr. John Paglia has been named Professor Emeritus of Finance, honoring his 25 years of outstanding service, scholarship, and leadership.

A long-standing faculty member and respected thought leader, Paglia’s career has been defined by visionary leadership, pioneering research, and deep commitment to Pepperdine’s mission. Throughout his tenure, he held numerous senior leadership positions that significantly contributed to shaping the school's strategic direction, including Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean for Part-Time Programs, Department Chair, Director of Accreditation, and Chair of the Presidents and Key Executives (PKE) MBA program.

He played a critical role in founding the Institute for Entrepreneurship and establishing key initiatives like the Most Fundable Companies competition, the Entrepreneurial Vision Partnership with Dun & Bradstreet, the Bryant Stibel Internship Program, the Certificate in Private Capital Markets, and the Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA) program.

Among Paglia’s most enduring legacies is the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project, a nationally recognized research initiative that advanced understanding of capital sources and access for small and mid-sized businesses. His research earned widespread media coverage and helped inform public policy. In recognition of his work on this project and integrated contributions to teaching, research, and service, Paglia was awarded the “George Award”, one of the Graziadio School’s highest honors for faculty.

As a scholar, he authored and co-authored numerous academic publications and served as a consultant to the Library of Congress and the U.S. Congress, where he testified as an expert on the Small Business Administration’s private equity and venture capital program. His standing as a "Scholarly Academic" under AACSB accreditation standards reflects a consistent commitment to impactful, applied research.

Paglia also made meaningful contributions beyond academia, serving on corporate boards and earning industry accolades, including “Industry Titan,” “Excellence in M&A”, and “Middle Market Thought Leader of the Year.”

Now, as Professor Emeritus, Dr. Paglia will continue to support the Graziadio community through mentorship and thought leadership. His legacy, defined by the integration of faith, innovation, and ethical leadership, will continue to shape Pepperdine’s future for years to come.