Resilience-Informed Skills Education (RISE) Institute
Building Resilience for the whole student—heart, mind, and soul
Founded through the vision of vice chancellor Connie Horton (’82) and launched as an institute in 2025, the RISE Institute is transforming the way Pepperdine cares for and equips its students. What began as a bold commitment to student well-being has quickly become a powerful force for cultivating resilience, meaningful connection, and lifelong flourishing within our Waves community and beyond our campus.
RISE is a holistic resilience program designed to equip individuals with the tools, support, and experiences they need to thrive, focusing on strengthening the whole person—heart, mind, and soul. Grounded in research and guided by compassion, RISE empowers others with practical tools focusing on strengthening individuals across six key dimensions of well-being:
- Physical
- Social
- Cognitive
- Spiritual
- Service
- Life Skills
Being in the RISE interest community has reignited the feeling of growing together. Each person is going through personal situations and experiences. However, in a community with like-minded people who prioritize God and resilience (regardless of how far away we drift from those goals), we physically and metaphorically seek refuge within that community.
Nicole
('25)
As the global need for resilience continues to grow, RISE is expanding its reach to serve not only students and educators but also faith communities, organizations, and professionals across diverse fields. Whether it’s helping school-age children or college students build healthy habits and meaningful relationships, supporting educators and leaders facing increasing demands, or providing faith communities and workplace professionals with practical strategies for resilience and well-being, RISE meets people where they are with research-informed resources and compassionate care.
News & Updates
My time in the RISE coaching program was approximately nine weeks of unimaginable growth, new perspectives, and unconditional positive support. My coach did such a lovely job creating a space that felt authentic to both of our personalities and conducive to falling forward. I couldn't be more grateful for my experience in RISE and know I will use the goal we set throughout my individual development and with my own clients down the line. Thank you, RISE, for seeing me as me and believing in me.
Geetha
GSEP student