COVID-19 Update

January 4, 2021

Happy new year, Waves. I hope each of you had an enjoyable holiday season of rest and renewal and are looking forward with revitalized spirits to the year ahead. Know that wherever you are in the world right now, you continue to be in our prayers.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I made a commitment that I would share information with the Pepperdine community both swiftly and openly. In that spirit, I'm writing today to let you know that Joline and I tested positive for COVID-19 this morning after beginning to experience mild symptoms late last week. We had been in quarantine for the prior week after coming into contact with immediate family members who tested positive. At all times, we have followed all CDC guidelines and University protocols, including having completed a thorough contact tracing process, and we will be isolating at home until we are cleared to no longer do so. I plan to continue working remotely during this time, and Joline and I will closely consult with our primary care physician and the Student Health Center during the recovery from our mild symptoms.

Rising case counts also serve as a reminder that we should be vigilant in working to keep one another safe. Please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid crowds, and follow all other guidance provided by our public health agencies. Together we can help slow the spread of coronavirus as we look forward to the new semester ahead.

Finally, I'd like to offer a personal note of appreciation for the extraordinary efforts of our staff who continue to support the University with excellence through the many challenges Pepperdine is facing around the pandemic. An entire team of talented individuals, including those charged with critical tasks like safety compliance, contact tracing, and communications, has been working around the clock, even during the holiday break, to ensure that we are able to support our community response. I am grateful for their tireless work on behalf of the University.

I wish each of you a healthy and productive spring semester and look forward to being with you all again soon.