DEAN’S REPORT 2025
FROM THE DEAN
Not long ago, I spoke with a recent Graziadio graduate who shared how a single classroom moment changed the way they saw themselves as a leader, a thinker, and a person of purpose. It’s stories like these that remind me why our work at Pepperdine Graziadio matters.
As I reflect on the academic year, I am filled with a renewed commitment to the shared mission that guides our community. We marked a decade of vision with the 10th anniversary of our Future of Healthcare Symposium, where cross-sector leaders explored how innovation can create a healthier world. We introduced an accelerated 12-month MBA track, enhancing access to transformational education for high-performing professionals. And we extended our global footprint through pioneering research and immersive learning experiences that develop ethically grounded, globally competent leaders.
We also continued to champion the ideas of early-stage entrepreneurs through our Most Fundable Companies showcase, which brings together promising US startups, investors, and educators to help fuel the next wave of business innovation.
At the heart of it all is our faith-based mission, a compass that calls us to cultivate a vibrant community, grounded in faith and built on a shared belief that business can be a force for good. We work each day to strengthen belonging, to transform students holistically, and to ensure our efforts ripple locally in Malibu and Los Angeles, nationally, and globally across continents.
Each year we hear from alumni who share how their Graziadio experience was truly transformative. They credit this community with helping them rise in their careers, build confidence, and create rich, fulfilling lives. Together, at Graziadio, we cultivate a space where futures are forged and leadership begins.
Let this reflection serve as a celebration of what we’ve accomplished—and a bold invitation to envision what’s ahead.
Appreciatively,
Deborah Crown Dean Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
ABOUT GRAZIADIO
At Pepperdine Graziadio, we believe business is a calling to serve, not just a means to profit. We exist to develop values-driven leaders who are equipped to reshape organizations and uplift communities.
Rooted in Malibu and founded on the principles of purpose, service, and leadership, Graziadio delivers a transformational experience that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance. As one of the largest graduate business schools in the US, backed by more than 50,000 alumni, our school’s impact spans industries, communities, and continents—from Silicon Beach to Southeast Asia.
What makes us different? A close-knit learning environment where students are known by name. Faculty who bring a unique blend of scholarly excellence and industry expertise. A commitment to measuring success not only by achievements, but by the lives we touch and the good we do.
We are bold thinkers, ethical leaders, and changemakers. And through every program and partnership, we prepare students to think deeply, act boldly, and lead lives for Greater Purpose.
Mission
Inspired by our Christian values and commitment to academic excellence, we seek to
• Foster transformational learning,
• Create applied knowledge, and
• Equip our students to lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
To advance our vision, we strive to:
Nurture students’ transformational journey (personally, professionally, and spiritually)
Create and disseminate high-quality applied research with impact on students, businesses, and society
Cultivate a culture where our Christian mission animates inclusion and belonging
Offer a portfolio of programs that are innovative and market relevant, and that span the entire life cycle of work
Expand the market for the business school programs, leverage and grow corporate and community partnerships, and extend market reach
Exhibit financial stewardship of fiscal and other resources
OUR PROGRAMS
Market-Relevant Programs for Every Career Stage
At Pepperdine Graziadio, we’re committed to offering a portfolio of programs that are both innovative and market-relevant, designed to support professionals across the entire life cycle of work. From emerging talent taking their first steps into higher education to seasoned executives seeking to lead transformative change, our programs are intentionally crafted to meet you where you are and propel you toward what’s next. Whether you’re pursuing your first degree, accelerating your leadership potential, or scaling impact within your organization, we offer a path for growth, purpose, and excellence.
MBA Programs
• Part-Time (Hybrid) MBA
• Online MBA
• Full-Time MBA (12-month and 20-month options)
Specialized Master’s and Degree Completion Programs
• MS in Business
• MS in Business Analytics (In Person and Online)
• MS in Applied Finance
• MS in Real Estate
• MS in Global Business
• Online MS in Human Resources
• Online MS in Management and Leadership
• Online Bachelor of Science in Management Degree Completion Program
Executive Programs
• Executive MBA
• Presidents and Key Executives MBA
• Master of Science in Organization Development
• Executive Doctor of Business Administration
Executive Education
Our executive education offerings provide non-degree opportunities for lifelong learning. Designed for professionals seeking to sharpen their expertise and organizations seeking tailored solutions, these programs include short courses and custom corporate trainings to meet today’s business challenges with agility and insight.
FROM THE CLASSROOM
Nurturing Transformational Journeys in the Classroom
The students at Pepperdine Graziadio are driven, mission-oriented professionals who bring fresh ideas, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose to their work. In alignment with our aim to foster each student’s transformational journey personally, professionally, and spiritually, Graziadio students rise to challenges not only to succeed, but to lead with integrity and impact. This year, they launched new ventures, led transformative initiatives within their organizations, and created meaningful impact across industries. Their stories of growth and success reflect the very heart of the Graziadio experience.
Online MBA Student Helped Homeboy Electronics Recycling Build for Impact
Patrick Forstmann’s Bryant Stibel Internship Experience in Alternative Investments
Animating Inclusion and Belonging
At Graziadio, we actively cultivate a culture where our Christian mission inspires inclusion and belonging, ensuring it unites rather than divides. Rooted in this mission, we recognize the dignity and worth of every person and strive to build a community where all feel seen, heard, and valued.
We are committed to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and every voice strengthens our shared purpose. By learning together across cultures and experiences, our students, faculty, and staff develop the empathy and insight essential for purposeful global leadership.
This year, we proudly welcomed the Graziadio Asian American Pacific Islander Association (AAPIA), our newest student-led club, further enriching our culture of belonging and connection in lasting ways.
Lessons in Leadership from Jeff Stibel: How a Pepperdine Classroom Visit Reshaped EMBA Student Korey Jones’ Approach to Innovation
AAPI
Association Leadership Spotlight
“Serving as vice president of AAPIA has allowed me to connect with other ambitious Waves to create memorable events. I hope to leave a lasting impact on the University for future generations of Pepperdine students.”
Franklin
Simmons
Vice President Graziadio AAPI
Association
NEW ENROLLMENTS BY THE NUMBERS
FY 2024–2025
Program Breakdown
Master
Master of Science Programs 33.4%
Bachelor’s Programs (BSM) 5.8%
FACULTY RESEARCH
Faculty Research That Moves Business and Society Forward
Great ideas don’t stay in the classroom; they shape conversations, challenge assumptions, and drive change. At Graziadio, our focus on creating and disseminating high-quality applied research comes to life through the work of our distinguished faculty.
More than educators, our faculty are mentors, innovators, and thought leaders who blend academic rigor with decades of industry experience. With most holding PhDs or DBAs, they bring a depth of knowledge and a spirit of inquiry that fuels both their teaching and their research.
This year, their scholarship addressed some of the most urgent topics of our time, from the evolving role of AI in leadership to global human flourishing and the rise of zero-waste business models . Their work is globally recognized and deeply relevant, sparking meaningful dialogue in the classroom and informing business practices across industries.
Highlights of faculty accomplishments during the 2024–25 academic year include:
• 50+ publications
• 30+ presentations
• 30+ media quotes or articles
• 15 honors and recognitions
• 5 editorial board appointments
Featured Faculty Honors and Contributions:
JAMES DILELLIO
Coauthored study introducing an improved metric for Sustained Cost of Energy
CRISTINA GIBSON
Published a landmark global flourishing study
Appointed Editor in Chief, Academy of Management Annals
GARY MANGIOFICO
Honored with the Excellence in Education Award
JACLYN MARGOLIS
Discussed employee well-being on the Higher Vibrations in Higher Education podcast
CRISTEL RUSSELL
Coauthored a groundbreaking study on zero-waste lifestyles
COLE SHORT
Recognized With the AI 2030 Award for Leadership in Responsible AI
CORPORATE PARTNERS
Expanding Market Reach Through Partnerships
To expand the impact of our programs, we leverage and grow corporate and community partnerships that extend our reach and create meaningful opportunities for both students and organizations. We intentionally collaborate with mission-aligned organizations that champion ethical business practices and provide them with valuable benefits, such as discounted tuition, waived application fees, and streamlined admission, while giving companies a competitive edge through access to skilled, values-driven talent.
Our Partnership Development team works closely with each organization to design customized executive education experiences tailored to their unique needs, while also supporting employee enrollment across our graduate programs.
This year, we launched a transformative partnership with the Bernard J. Tyson Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, offering MD students the opportunity to earn their MBA. This collaboration prepares future physicians to lead with both clinical expertise and business acumen—an inspiring example of how our partnerships drive educational innovation and impact.
We proudly welcomed our newest 2025 partners:
• Los Angeles World Airports
• Bernard J. Tyson Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine
• Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce
• National Black MBA Association
• Prospanica
• Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA)
These outstanding additions join our growing network of university partners, including:
99 Cents Only Store, Activision Blizzard, AEG, Amazon, Aon, Boeing, Bright Horizons EdAssist, Caltech/JPL, Cheesecake Factory, CoolSys, Dollar Shave Club, Edcor, Farmers Insurance, FOX, Hyundai Capital America, The Honest Company, HRL Laboratories, LLC, iHeartMedia, JSL Technologies, Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Mattel, Northrop Grumman, Purpose Partners, Professionals in Human Resources Association, Randstad, and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling.
Together, we are building a global community committed to shaping leaders who drive meaningful change across industries.
GLOBAL PROGRAMS
Cultivating Global Fluency Through Immersive Learning
Developing global fluency is central to the Pepperdine Graziadio experience, where students grow holistically through meaningful engagement with the world. Rooted in values that emphasize inclusion and belonging, our community encourages students to embrace diverse perspectives with openness and respect.
This year, our commitment to preparing students for a borderless business world expanded through new immersive international experiences. With Global Business Intensives and strong partnerships at more than 30 global universities, our students don’t just study economic trends or business theories; they immerse themselves in boardrooms, startup hubs, and cultural centers across five continents. These experiences inspire thoughtful leadership, ethical decision-making, and confident action in unfamiliar environments, while providing firsthand insight into today’s global challenges and opportunities.
Social Impact in South Africa
Digital Leadership in Ireland
OUR 2024-25 GLOBAL BUSINESS INTENSIVES
In fall 2024, students journeyed to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pilanesberg to explore the intersection of business and social change. Against the backdrop of a nation rich in human and natural resources but marked by persistent inequities, students were immersed in the realities of social entrepreneurship in South Africa. They worked hands-on to develop Social Venture Plans, inspired by innovators who are finding market-driven ways to address societal needs where government efforts have fallen short.
In spring 2025, the tech-forward city of Dublin served as a launchpad for students studying global business operations in the digital economy. Walking the streets where multinational giants house their EMEA operations, students examined the digital ecosystem that has turned Ireland into a hub for financial and digital native companies. The course offered a front-row seat to operational strategy, global scalability, and the nuanced challenges of managing teams and data across continents.
Global Tastes and Trends in Switzerland
Also in spring, another group traveled to Vevey, Switzerland, home to major food and beverage powerhouses. This course dove into how companies manage global food and beverage products, from brand development to sustainability challenges. Visits to company headquarters and research centers revealed the paradoxes of globalized distribution and local culinary culture, offering students a flavor of the innovation and ethics driving one of the world’s most essential industries.
Renaissance Values in Italy
Emerging Opportunities in Argentina
Innovation
in South Korea
In Florence, students found themselves immersed in the art, architecture, and multigenerational business practices of Tuscany. The program revealed the enduring power of family businesses rooted in Renaissance values—direct communication, craftsmanship, and deep relationship building. These lessons provided a unique lens on longevity and leadership in an ever-changing economic landscape.
In Buenos Aires, students explored global business in Latin America, studying trade, innovation, and entrepreneurship in a region that’s both deeply rooted in tradition and rapidly evolving in the face of globalization. They engaged with local business leaders and entrepreneurs navigating inflation, shifting trade policies, and global market entry.
In the bustling cityscape of Seoul, students were introduced to the world of global real estate—a sector experiencing rapid transformation through digital innovation, sustainability, and urban development. They examined how investment strategies are reshaping skylines and communities in one of Asia’s most forward-thinking economies.
Across continents and industries, these immersive experiences reflect what it truly means to be a globally competent leader. By expanding minds, markets, and missions, they help our students not only see the world differently but shape it.
STUDENT SUCCESS AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT
Guiding Career Journeys That Evolve with You
Career development at Graziadio is rooted in intentional progression. Through personalized coaching, global experiences, and a strong foundation in ethical leadership, the Student Success and Career Advancement team supports students as they pursue meaningful career paths that reflect both their goals and the evolving demands of the business world.
Each journey is unique, and for students like Ella Brubaker and Kaila Crouch, that journey is as inspiring as it is impactful.
Ella Brubaker brings determination and discipline to both the court and the classroom. After earning her undergraduate degree in business and sports management from the Master’s University, she joined Pepperdine’s MBA program while playing guard for the women’s basketball team. A proud legacy student—her parents are alumni and her father played baseball for the Waves—Brubaker interned at The Sports Academy and aims to become a university athletic sports director.
Ella Brubaker (MBA ’25)
A double alumna of Pepperdine, Kaila Crouch earned her joint BS/MBA from Seaver College and Graziadio before continuing on to the MBA program. She was actively involved in Net Impact and developed a mentorship and tutoring program for students in Compton, California. During a summer internship at OXO in Switzerland, she gained hands-on experience in brand and marketing strategy. Following graduation, Crouch will begin a leadership rotation with Stanley Black & Decker, building on her passion for business and community service.
Kaila
Crouch (MBA ’25)
Where Our Students Work
Pepperdine Graziadio graduates go on to thrive in roles at top companies across industries, including:
JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
NIKE, INC.
HENKEL
THE BORING COMPANY
BLUE SHIELD OF CALIFORNIA
CITI
DAILY HARVEST
EPSILON ALTERYX
REYES COCA-COLA BOTTLING
At Graziadio, career development is a transformational process—one that empowers students to lead with clarity, conscience, and impact.
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Moments That Moved Us: Keynote Events
Throughout the year, Pepperdine Graziadio hosted a powerful lineup of events that brought together our community to explore critical topics shaping the landscape of business. These gatherings not only deepened engagement with current students, alumni, and industry leaders but also served as meaningful touchpoints for expanding awareness of our programs. By spotlighting timely themes such as sustainability, healthcare innovation, startup leadership, and ethical business, our events position Graziadio at the center of market-relevant conversations and attract mission-aligned professionals seeking growth and impact.
Where AI Takes the Spotlight:
Entertainment Evolution Symposium
May 22, 2024
The future of entertainment and technology took center stage at the Skirball Cultural Center during the Entertainment Evolution Symposium, hosted in partnership with the Hollywood IT Society (HITS) and led by the Institute for Entertainment, Media, and Sports. With the theme AI2 : Where Artificial Intelligence Meets Automation + Integration, the event brought together innovators from across the entertainment and media space for a day of dynamic conversation and discovery.
Dean Deborah Crown opened the symposium, setting the tone for a high-energy exchange of ideas. Nitin Chawla, head of finance, strategy and operations at Warner Bros. Discovery, kicked off the morning with a keynote on AI in the Age of Media Disruption, while Fay Kallel, director of gen AI innovation at Prime Video, delivered a compelling afternoon session on Unlocking Content Discovery (and Consumers) with AI. Active involvement from the institute and Graziadio board members—including Doug Warner, Eric Iverson, and Carmi Zlotnick—demonstrated the school’s deep ties to industry and thought leadership.
EVENT
HIGHLIGHTS: SHOWCASING INNOVATION, EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY
Most Fundable Companies Showcase
September 26, 2024
11th Annual SEER Symposium
March 14, 2025
10th Anniversary Future of Healthcare Symposium
April 24, 2025
The seventh annual Most Fundable Companies Showcase honored 18 top startups selected from more than 2,300 applicants nationwide. Recognized for their investment potential, these ventures have gone on to secure major funding and national acclaim, including features in Entrepreneur magazine. The evening featured a keynote by John Figueroa (MBA ’97), Senior Advisor to the Secretary, US Department of Veterans Affairs. Since the program’s inception, honorees have raised more than $375 million in capital.
The 11th annual SEER Symposium convened mission-driven leaders at Parks Project HQ to explore how ethical business can drive system-level change. Keith Eshelman, founder and CEO of Parks Project, discussed aligning retail with conservation efforts, while speakers from the Alliance to Counter Crime Online, Long Beach Container Terminal, and Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator shared insights on fighting digital exploitation, advancing port sustainability, and building an inclusive green economy.
The 10th anniversary of the Future of Healthcare Symposium examined the evolving intersection of healthcare and finance under the theme “Investing in Health.” Fiona Ma (MBA ’00), California state treasurer, led a fireside keynote on healthcare access and infrastructure investment. Executives, policymakers, and students explored how innovation and capital strategy can shape a more equitable and sustainable healthcare future.
A Time to Celebrate – Commencement Ceremonies
Graziadio celebrated the resilience and accomplishments of our graduates during two commencement ceremonies on our Malibu campus. Summer 2024 (August 10) featured student speaker Rafael Barrero (BSM ’23) and Distinguished Alumni awardee Keith Dorsey (MBA ’13, PKE 130), while spring 2025 (April 26) honored Hiral H. Patadia (MBA ’25) as student speaker and awarded an honorary doctorate to John Figueroa (MBA ’97). Each celebration reflected the heart of our mission: cultivating leaders who uplift others and lead with integrity.
E2B AND SEER
Strengthening Community and Advancing Purpose Through Experiential Learning
Purpose and practice go hand in hand. Through experiential learning programs such as Pepperdine E2BTM (Education to Business) and the Social, Environmental, and Ethical Responsibility (SEER) Business Strategy, students live out the values of ethical leadership while tackling real-world challenges that matter.
By working with mission-driven organizations across sectors, students deepen their understanding of responsible business and apply their learning in ways that serve the common good. Whether developing sustainability solutions or advising social enterprises, these hands-on experiences reflect our commitment to cultivating leaders who are both skilled and service-minded.
Experiential Learning in Action: Pepperdine E2BTM
The Pepperdine E2BTM (Education to Business) Program is a cornerstone of our applied learning model, connecting MBA students with leaders to solve pressing business challenges in real time. Whether partnering with nonprofit organizations, emerging ventures, or socially conscious enterprises, students gain practical experience while delivering thoughtful, strategic solutions.
Since its launch, E2B has engaged more than 15,000 students across 750 client projects, providing transformational opportunities that foster collaboration, innovation, and ethical decision-making.
In the 2024–25 academic year, student teams collaborated with such organizations as:
• Corner Bakery Cafe
• Green Our Planet
• Homeboy Electronics Recycling
• Kimberly-Clark
• Recircled
• Teladoc Health
• Union Rescue Mission: The Way Home
• Vet Fran
These projects span industries and challenges, from sustainability strategies and digital innovation to brand positioning and business development, giving students a front-row seat to the evolving demands of modern leadership.
SEER in the Spotlight
The SEER (Social, Environmental, and Ethical Responsibility) Program equips students to lead with integrity in a world where profit, people, and planet intersect. Through immersive experiences, cutting-edge coursework, and high-impact events, SEER cultivates a new generation of leaders committed to meaningful, sustainable change.
Marquee Event: SEER Symposium “Working the System”
At the 11th annual SEER Symposium (March 14), held at Parks Project HQ, students engaged with changemakers tackling climate action, crime prevention, port sustainability, and green innovation—demonstrating how system-level solutions drive real progress.
Sustainability in Practice
Panels like Beyond the Buzzword (October 30) and the Green Finance Collaboration (November 26) brought business leaders and faculty together to explore what it takes to scale sustainable companies and align environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues with financial performance.
Winning Ideas with Global Impact
SEER students won top honors at the Reyes Coca-Cola LA28 Case Competition (February 7) for a recycling initiative designed for the 2028 Olympics.
New SEER-aligned courses in 2024–25
Green and Sustainability Finance and Understanding ESG—equip students with the tools to integrate sustainability into financial markets, risk management, and stakeholder strategy.
Hands-On Collaboration
In partnership with Homeboy Industries, students crafted marketing and development strategies for the organization’s recycling and media ventures, applying ethical business practices to community transformation.
Global Business, Local Impact
SEER-approved Global Business Intensives included sustainability-focused travel to South Africa, Argentina, Switzerland, Ireland, and Italy—immersing students in global entrepreneurship, green supply chains, and ethical operations.
Looking Ahead:
Master of Science in Global Business Redesign
Launching fall 2025, the redesigned MS in Global Business will embed sustainability into the curriculum and introduce new SEER pathways for globally minded leaders.
Doctoral Research with Impact
Executive DBA students explored themes from DEI and clean energy to financial inclusion and corporate governance—advancing scholarship with purpose.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
Notable Alumni:
Honoring Leaders, Inspiring Transformation
At Graziadio, the transformational journey doesn’t end at graduation—it evolves. Our alumni exemplify the personal development and professional excellence fostered through their time at Pepperdine. United by a commitment to innovation, integrity, and servant leadership, these trailblazers are not only shaping their industries but also inspiring current students to lead with purpose, resilience, and faith. We proudly recognize their ongoing impact as a reflection of the values we instill in every Graziadio student.
Ronald “Jake” Clark (MBA ‘19)
Ronald “Jake” Clark’s life is defined by service and resilience. A US Army veteran whose career spans the Cold War and post-9/11 eras, Clark also served with the US Secret Service, LAPD, and FBI. After 9/11, he reenlisted as an officer in the California Army National Guard and deployed on peacekeeping missions to the former Yugoslavia—experiences that profoundly shaped his worldview.
While pursuing his MBA at Pepperdine, Clark paused his studies in 2012 to found Save A Warrior (SAW), a pioneering suicide prevention program for veterans and first responders. Nearly 3,000 participants have benefited from SAW’s 99.99 percent success rate, which also helped shape national resilience efforts. In 2024, with support from DAV and private donors, he opened the nation’s first Center of Excellence for Complex PTSD in Ohio.
A nationally recognized advocate, Clark has been featured in major media and honored with awards from WebMD and the VA. He earned a doctorate from the University of Southern California in 2024, focused on design thinking, and received Pepperdine Graziadio’s George Award in 2025 for his extraordinary service.
Founder, Save A Warrior (SAW)
Henry Rabello (’93, MIB ’96) Chief Marketing Officer, Foot Locker
Henry Rabello’s passion for youth culture, sports, and entertainment has fueled his rise as a global marketing leader. A two-time Pepperdine alumnus, Rabello earned his BS from Seaver College and his master of international business from Graziadio.
An All-American water polo athlete and 1992 team captain, Rabello remains deeply connected to Pepperdine through guest lectures, mentoring, and teaching MBA courses. His leadership roles span Nike, YouTube/Google, and WSS/Foot Locker, where he’s driven innovative, consumer-focused campaigns for events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
Rabello serves on the advisory board of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and advises Pepperdine Athletics. Fluent in several languages, he has lived and worked worldwide. He and his wife, Kenya, have been married nearly 20 years and enjoy traveling with their son Enryc, a competitive soccer player and high school first-year.
John Figueroa (MBA ’97) Senior Advisor to the Secretary, US Department of Veterans Affairs
2025 Honorary Doctorate Recipient
Pepperdine Graziadio proudly honors John Figueroa with an honorary doctorate for his visionary leadership and dedication to servant leadership in healthcare. With more than 35 years transforming pharmacy services, hospital supply chains, and care delivery, Figueroa has shaped the future of healthcare.
Currently senior advisor to the secretary of Veterans Affairs, Figueroa provides strategic guidance to one of the nation’s most vital healthcare systems. He founded CarepathRx, a leader in specialty, infusion, and home-based pharmacy solutions, forging key partnerships with Anthem and Cigna. As CEO of Genoa Healthcare, the largest behavioral health pharmacy and telepsychiatry provider, Figueroa led national expansion and improved outcomes for patients with severe mental illness, culminating in Genoa’s acquisition by UnitedHealth Group. His leadership also includes CEO roles at Apria Healthcare and Omnicare, overseeing major sales and record growth, and heading McKesson’s US Pharmaceutical Group.
A US Army veteran and ranger, Figueroa served in the US, Europe, and Central America. Committed to education, he is a Distinguished Visiting Faculty member, Graziadio Board member, and endowed the school’s chair in the business of healthcare. He founded the Graziadio Future of Healthcare Symposium and has lectured at Wharton and Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Figueroa’s honors include Pepperdine’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Inspired Leadership Award, and recognition as an Outstanding Alumni in Healthcare. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he was a distinguished military graduate, and earned his MBA from Pepperdine in 1997.
BOARD MEMBERS
The Graziadio Board: Fostering Progress With Purpose and Stewardship
Founded in 1969 by George L. Graziadio, Jr., the Graziadio Business School Board has long served as a strategic partner in advancing the school’s mission and ensuring the responsible management of its resources. Board members are selected not only for their distinguished leadership and commitment to community impact, but also for their alignment with Pepperdine’s values and their role in supporting sustainable, mission-driven decision-making. Through their guidance, we continue to steward our fiscal and institutional resources with integrity while positioning the school for long-term impact.
Meet the Graziadio Business School Board
Cindy U. Ayloush, BSM ’80, MBA ’13
Phillip M. Bardack—Thatcher Foundation
A. Ron Berryman, ’62, MBA ’67
Steve R. Calvillo
Morgan R. Christen, MBA ’06
Frank W. Cornell III, MBA ’78, EdD ’04
Deborah Crown
Keith D. Dorsey, MBA ’13
Paul Dutmer
John G. Figueroa, MBA ’97
Raymond A. Hall, MBA ’19
Paul S. Hamilton, MBA ’15
Brandi M. Harleaux, MBA ’12
Sinan Kanatsiz
Ike Kavas
Lisa Kerscher
Patrick Khoury, MBA ’96
Larry J. Kosmont
Darren W. Lee
Kimber L. Maderazzo, MBA ’10
Thomas R. Magnuson, MBA ’89
Mark J. Miller, MBA ’04
Vincent J. Monteparte, MBA ’01
Dick Newman
Morgan H. Rector
John M. Renfro
Denise A. Roberson, MBA ’14
Larraine D. Segil, MBA ’85
Bala Sriraghavan, MBA ’16
Joshua Taub, MBA ’99
Paul S. Wagstaff, MIB ’95
Doug Warner
Carmi Zlotnik
RANKINGS AND FORGING THE FUTURE
Rankings and Recognition: A Year of Distinction for Pepperdine Graziadio
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School continues to rise among the nation’s top business programs, earning accolades across prestigious rankings that highlight our commitment to academic excellence and meaningful impact.
Fortune ranked our Part-Time MBA 14th nationally, and we’re proud to share that it also holds the top spot among Protestant Christian schools. Our Online Master of Science in Business Analytics secured an impressive seventh place. On the global stage, CEO Magazine awarded Graziadio a Tier One ranking for its MBA program, affirming our leadership in business education. The Executive Doctor of Business Administration program also earned top-tier status, while the Executive MBA climbed to 36th worldwide and the Online MBA rose to 23rd.
The Princeton Review named Graziadio one of the Best Business Schools in the Nation for 2025, with the Online MBA ranked 22nd nationally. The school also stood out as number eight for Greatest Resources for Minority Students.
LinkedIn ranked our MBA program 30th among the best in the US, reflecting strong alumni outcomes and network strength.
In U.S. News & World Report, our Full-Time MBA rose to 88th nationally, while the Part-Time MBA ranked 52nd.
Forging the Future: Strategic Priorities in Action
As we celebrate this year’s achievements, Pepperdine Graziadio looks confidently to the future with a clear focus on nurturing students’ holistic development. We remain dedicated to advancing research that not only enriches the classroom but also drives meaningful change in businesses and communities.
Grounded in our Christian mission, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging where diverse voices are welcomed and valued. Our innovative and market-responsive programs continue to evolve, designed to support learners at every stage of their careers and to prepare them for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
By expanding our partnerships and broadening our reach, we create opportunities that benefit both students and the organizations they serve. Throughout it all, we make strides to ensure the sustainability of our mission and the lasting impact of our work.
Together, we are building a future where ethical leadership flourishes, business serves the greater good, and Graziadio graduates lead with integrity and purpose on the global stage.
TODAY, NOT TOMORROW.
George L. Graziadio, Jr.
@PepperdineGraziadioBusinessSchool
@GraziadioSchool
@Pepperdine.Graziadio
@GraziadioSchool