Graduate With Three Pepperdine Degrees Gives the Gift of Education to Future Students

"Not all students come from a wealthy background or have a support structure in place. With this fund, we hope to provide financial assistance to those in need, so they too can have an opportunity to pursue an advanced degree at Pepperdine."

An adjunct professor with Pepperdine for the past nine years, Dr. Shreyas Gandhi has earned multiple degrees through the University. In 1998, he graduated from Pepperdine Business School (now Graziadio Business School) with an MBA; in 2009 and 2020, he earned his EDD and PhD, respectively, from the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.

"In 2016, when GSEP received approval for the first PhD program in institution history, I joined the inaugural class (cohort #1) and also pursued the PhD in Global Leadership," he recalls.

Gandhi says his affiliation with the University has been a transformative experience. "I love the institutional values of purpose, service, and leadership,''' he expresses. "I have developed so many friendships, have been stretched academically, and have continued to realize my goal of being a lifelong learner. The faculty is amazing, I've traveled to China and Washington, DC in the program, and many doors have opened for me in the aerospace industry due to completing three graduate degrees from Pepperdine University."

Gandhi feels very strongly about giving back to the school that has done so much for him and believes that the gift of education will open many doors for future students. "Not all students come from a wealthy background or have a support structure in place," he notes. "A scholarship is one tangible thing we can do to help others, and therefore help society as a whole."

In 2019, Gandhi and his wife, Swati, established the Drs. Shreyas and Swati Gandhi Leadership Fund. "The University and GSEP have given me so much, and we feel indebted to give back," he says. "With this fund, we hope to provide financial assistance to those in need, so they too can have an opportunity to pursue an advanced degree at Pepperdine."

Gandhi joined the GSEP Board of Visitors in 2013, noting, "I have a unique perspective as an alumnus, BOV member, and core faculty member to see all sides of Pepperdine GSEP, and all I can say is I continue to be in awe at how genuine and selfless everyone is that I've encountered."

Gandhi currently teaches courses in research methods and advanced data analysis and interpretation. He participates in the administration of comprehensive exams and serves on dissertation committees both as a member and chair.