Kiron Skinner named Inaugural Taube Family Chair of International Relations and Politics at Pepperdine School of Public Policy

MALIBU, Calif. – Pepperdine University President Jim Gash announced the establishment of the Taube Family Chair of International Relations and Politics at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy. Dr. Kiron Skinner, renowned scholar, diplomat, cybersecurity expert, and former State Department and Defense Department official, has been named the inaugural holder of the chair. 

“Dr. Skinner embodies the caliber of faculty most institutions can only aspire to recruit,” said Pepperdine President Jim Gash. “Kiron is a highly regarded instructor and mentor who earns rave reviews for her high-impact classes and willingness to mentor a new generation. She elevates our academic offerings and inspires our students to engage deeply with the critical issues facing our world today.”

Dr. Skinner joined Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy in 2022 as the Taube Professor of International Relations and Politics and has served on campus and globally as a dynamic presence and clarion voice for common-sense policy solutions. She boasts decades of policy experience, an extensive and diverse professional network, and unmatched expertise in cybersecurity and global diplomacy. Her leadership and convening authority have facilitated remarkable domestic and global gatherings that have spotlighted critical issues in international relations and drawn eminent figures, such as former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, to engage in strategic policy discussions at Pepperdine.

The Taube Family Chair of International Relations and Politics is a historic, first-ever distinguished chair at Pepperdine and creates the single largest newly endowed position at the university. Thanks to the generous partnership of Taube Philanthropies and supplemented by a university match, the chair is funded at $8 million. An enduring partnership between Taube Philanthropies and Pepperdine, the new chair robustly establishes the Taube legacy of dedication to democratic principles at the university.

Upon the announcement, Tad Taube, chairman of Taube Philanthropies, said:

“The Taube family is devoted to bolstering American values in all realms of society and has long-time relationships with leading academic and public policy institutions, particularly in California. We have supported the exemplary work of Dr. Skinner for many years and are honored to continue as she steps into this important, new role at Pepperdine.”

Dianne Taube, president of Taube Philanthropies, added, “Dr. Skinner’s remarkable expertise and leadership, paired with Pepperdine’s outstanding institutional reputation, will position the School of Public Policy to convene critical conversations that might otherwise be left undebated, to craft and issue high-level policy recommendations that reinforce America’s Judeo-Christian foundation and—most critically—prepare the next generation of policymakers and elected officials to advocate for a strong national defense, free-market economic policies and America’s place in the international order.”

The chair’s endowment will support Dr. Skinner’s work in developing and implementing new initiatives, such as plans already being explored for the possible creation of an Institute for Diplomacy, Security, and Innovation. The position also grants her increased cachet among peers in academia and the policy world and new opportunities to disseminate research and policy recommendations. As chair, Skinner will be afforded the flexibility to serve as a public intellectual, external representative and international convener of a range of voices in fields like diplomacy, national security, foreign policy and cyber security.

“Public policy, national security and international relations need leaders who believe that the United States has been and will continue to be a leading force for global security and prosperity,” said Dr. Kiron Skinner. “As chair, I look forward to advancing meaningful discussions that result in positive solutions based on the time-tested virtue of American values. I am grateful to Tad and Dianne Taube and Pepperdine University for the honor of being named to this position.”

About Pepperdine University
Founded in 1937, Pepperdine University is an independent, Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in scenic Malibu, California. The University enrolls approximately 10,300 students across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College; the Caruso School of Law; the Graziadio Business School; the Graduate School of Education and Psychology; and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Follow Pepperdine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Taube Philanthropies
Dedicated to the principles of a democratic society, including open economic enterprise, self-reliance, freedom of inquiry and limited government, Bay Area-based Taube Philanthropies works to ensure that all citizens have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential. Founded and led by philanthropists Tad and Dianne Taube, the organization funds programs throughout the US, Poland and Israel. The Taubes leverage the principles of collaborative giving to support education and scholarship, health and wellness initiatives with a focus on youth, Jewish culture and public policy initiatives that reinforce American democratic principles.

 

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