Pepperdine Graziadio Mourns the Loss of Dr. Larry W. Cox
The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School community is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. Larry W. Cox, a dedicated faculty member, and mentor who profoundly impacted the lives of students, alumni, colleagues, and entrepreneurs alike.
Joining the Pepperdine Graziadio faculty in August 2008 as an associate professor of strategy and entrepreneurship, Dr. Cox was an instrumental leader in entrepreneurship education. His passion for academic excellence and deep commitment to Pepperdine's values leave a legacy that will continue to shape future generations.
"Larry was not only an excellent professor but also a dear colleague and friend. He was passionate about entrepreneurship and teaching his students, and he made a great impact both professionally and personally on so many of them. Larry will be deeply missed and leaves a big hole as a professor, but even more so as a person because he was such a kind and caring individual." - Ken Ko, Pepperdine Graziadio Faculty Member
Throughout his career, Dr. Cox’s influence extended far beyond Pepperdine. Before joining Graziadio, he received a master's degree in management information systems and a doctorate in strategic management from the University of Nebraska and served as the director of entrepreneurship centers at Ball State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also held the position of director of research at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO, where he made significant contributions to the field of entrepreneurship.
“I am staggered by the loss of my friend and colleague, Larry Cox. I was amazed to be reminded that when I started my MBA program here at Pepperdine, Larry was just in his second year of teaching at the school. It felt as though he had always been here: he embodied so much of what George Graziadio instilled as the core values of the school. Moreover, he was instrumental in the creation of the SEER program, which I was lucky enough to experience in its infancy as a student. He was an ever steady companion and mentor as I gradually made the SEER program my life’s work. SEER embodies the principle that business can and must serve society and address societal problems. Larry’s unwavering commitment to using business to address problems has been central to that principle, and a core pillar to the distinctive value that SEER provides our students.
Quite simply, from my perspective, Larry was Entrepreneurship at Pepperdine. He was its most tireless champion, stewarding not only its core inclusion in our curriculum, but also serving as a hub for hundreds of ardent students and alumni, deeply committed to the school because of Larry’s impact on their lives. But more important than the blow to our programs and the school, we as a community have lost a dear friend. I can’t count how often I have been buttressed by Larry’s calm, kind, and deeply caring support. I can’t imagine this school without him, and yet I know we will find a way to honor him by acting with care for our students, our community, and the power of creating new businesses and bringing entrepreneurial spirit into in everything we do.” - Rob Bikel (MBA ‘11, DBA ‘22), Pepperdine Graziadio Faculty Member
A dedicated entrepreneur himself, Dr. Cox founded a company in 1985 that provided industrial products to manufacturers in the Rocky Mountain region. His personal experiences shaped his passion for entrepreneurship education, with a particular focus on the creative processes of entrepreneurs and the impact of entrepreneurship programs.
This past year, Dr. Cox was honored as one of the 2024 Fulbright Visiting Scholars at the Management Center of Innsbruck (MCI), further reflecting his lifelong dedication to advancing entrepreneurship education.
“Larry was more than just a friend to me—he was a mentor, a guide, and a trusted colleague. He stood tall, both in character and in spirit, and his shoes will be nearly impossible to fill. His unwavering ethics and deep, loving relationship with the Lord were evident in everything he did. Larry was a pioneer, shaping the entrepreneurial program at Pepperdine with vision and passion, and working alongside him was nothing short of a joy.
As a mentor, Larry’s guidance was gentle yet profound, opening doors to countless opportunities. As a friend, he was steadfast, always there when you needed him, a source of wisdom and support. I will miss him dearly, especially his genuine and infectious laugh that brightened every room.
Rest peacefully, my dear friend. You have left an indelible mark on all our hearts.” - Virginia Green, Pepperdine Graziadio Faculty Member
For those who wish to send condolences to Dr. Cox’s family, please send cards, notes, or letters to the dean’s office at: Dean Deborah Crown, Pepperdine University, Drescher Building, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263.
The Pepperdine Graziadio community joins together in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Larry W. Cox who inspired, challenged, and nurtured the entrepreneurial journeys of all who had the privilege of learning from him.