Transitions

In March of 2005, Dean Ken Starr asked me to join Pepperdine Law’s administrative team for a two-year term as the law school’s inaugural Associate Dean for Student Life (Dean of Students).  After nearly seven years in this position, today was my last day in the Deans’ Suite.  After I return from my African sabbatical, I will resume full-time teaching.

These past seven years have been the most rewarding of my professional career.  I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve Dean Starr, Dean Bost, and Dean Tacha in this role.  I am also grateful for the opportunity to work with the students on a daily basis in all aspects of student life.  I have learned so much and have been touched deeply by the relationships that emerged from this role.  But life consists of chapters, and after lots of prayer and consultation with my family, it is time for a new chapter to begin.  I am eager to see how God directs our lives in this chapter.

I am very thankful to Dean Tacha for her leadership and for her willingness to embrace my decision to close this chapter.  I am also thankful to her for allowing me to participate heavily in the transition planning.  I have complete confidence and trust in those who will succeed me in serving our students.