Sharon Beard Appointed Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University Provost Jay Brewster announced today the appointment of Sharon Beard ('94, MDR '01) as vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
“Vice President Beard has proven herself as a remarkable leader during her 28 years of employment at Pepperdine,” shared Brewster in a message to the Pepperdine community. “Her heart for our students and for their physical, mental, and spiritual flourishing on our campuses has been apparent throughout her Pepperdine career.”
Beard brings nearly three decades of experience at Pepperdine University, including the past year as interim vice president for student affairs and 19 years as associate dean of students. Her appointment reflects the University’s confidence in her leadership and her longstanding commitment to fostering a vibrant, supportive campus community.
Late Night Lineup event
Her professional journey has been marked by a consistent focus on student development, care, and engagement.
During her interim appointment, Beard prioritized strengthening campus life through initiatives that bring students together in meaningful ways. Most notably, she led the launch of the “Late Night Lineup,” a series of large-scale events held weekly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Since the start of the academic year, the program has hosted more than 60 events, drawing hundreds of students each weekend and contributing to a strong sense of community across campus.
As vice president for student affairs and dean of students, Beard oversees a broad portfolio of services central to the student experience, including:
- Community Standards and Student Employment,
- Housing and Residence Life,
- Student Activities and Campus Recreation,
- Student Health and Counseling Centers,
- Intercultural Affairs,
- Title IX and Title VI, and
- the Student Care Team.
These organizations play a critical role in supporting students’ well-being, personal development, and overall success during their time at Pepperdine.
Students at Late Night Lineup
Her leadership is grounded in a holistic approach to student life—one that integrates academic, spiritual, and co-curricular experiences to ensure students are supported both inside and outside the classroom.
Beard’s connection to Pepperdine extends well beyond her professional responsibilities. She and her husband, Alan (’94, SPP ’99), met while participating in the University’s Florence study abroad program and have remained deeply engaged in campus life. In 2023, they co-founded Waves Church on campus, further contributing to the spiritual life of the University community. They are the proud parents of Parker (’25), a recent Seaver graduate, and Emerson, a junior at Point Loma Nazarene University.
Reflecting on her appointment, Beard shared, “I am humbled by this opportunity and grateful to continue serving alongside the dedicated professionals in Student Affairs. It is a privilege to support our students and to contribute to a community that is so deeply committed to their growth and well-being.”
A double alumna of Pepperdine, Beard earned a bachelor of arts in communication from Seaver College and a master’s in dispute resolution from the Caruso School of Law.
Beard’s appointment underscores Pepperdine’s commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.