Pepperdine Says Farewell to Longtime Administrators

Provost Darryl Tippens and dean Margaret Weber of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology will retire following the 2013-2014 academic year.

“It has been my honor and privilege to work alongside Darryl and Margaret for many years,” says President Benton. "Their contributions and commitment to Pepperdine have been remarkable. They are more than colleagues; they are dear friends, and I know the Pepperdine community joins me in wishing them the best in their next chapters.”

Tippens has served as University provost since 2001. Under his guidance, Pepperdine's commitment to teaching and research, as well as the formation of new programs, has increased significantly. Under his leadership, Pepperdine experienced what many have called the “golden age of faculty hiring.” Tippens attracted some of higher education’s most coveted scholars and presided over the hiring of a number of deans, including Deans Livingstone, Marrs, Roosa, Starr, Tacha, and Weber.

Tippens has been a steady voice for the essential and historic link between scholarship and faith that is at the heart of Pepperdine’s mission. He successfully led Pepperdine’s reaffirmation of accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and authored the University’s strategic plan, “Boundless Horizons: 2020.”

During his time as provost, Tippens oversaw the launch of several important institutes and centers, including the Nootbaar Institute on Law, Religion, and Ethics; the Center for Entertainment, Media, and Culture; and the Glazer Institute for Jewish Studies, among others. He also founded the Ascending Voice, an international symposium and choral festival of sacred a cappella music.

Margaret Weber has served as dean of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology since 2001. Throughout her years in leadership, Weber has led an outstanding and diverse faculty to strengthen and shape the GSEP mission and distinguish the school among its peers in higher education. She has stabilized enrollment at the school, increased funding through foundations and grants, overseen growth in psychology programs, developed blended- learning platforms, and successfully steered the teacher education programs during a time of tremendous change in the industry.

Under her leadership, GSEP established its Diversity Council, launched its Urban Initiative program, and opened Aliento: The Center for Latina/o Communities. Weber also has served as director for GSEP's newest master's program, the master of arts in social entrepreneurship and change, which emphasizes leading with purpose through service. Her current research focuses on the Women's Project: Work-Life Balance, which takes a global view of women and leadership.