Pepperdine University Libraries to Acquire Prestigious Research Collection from Bob Woodson and the Woodson Center

MALIBU, Calif. – Pepperdine University Libraries will be the exclusive home of more than four decades of work by Bob Woodson and the Woodson Center. Led by former civil rights activist Bob Woodson, the Woodson Center has worked for over four decades to empower indigenous leaders in troubled neighborhoods to address problems of their communities through innovative initiatives that increase public safety, spur upward mobility, and inspire racial unity in America.

"From our founding over 25 years ago, the School of Public Policy has taught, researched, and promoted the profound role civil society and moral citizen leadership must have in addressing our public policy challenges. Over an incredible career in public service, Bob Woodson has exemplified this uniquely American commitment to civic engagement and creative problem-solving," said Pete Peterson, dean of Pepperdine's School of Public Policy. "We could not be more honored to host the archives of his Woodson Center at Pepperdine, making them easily accessible to future generations of policy researchers and anyone seeking to learn how to be better citizens."

Through this partnership, over 40 years of research, writing, and media engagement will be made available in a digital collection to researchers and journalists to study the Center’s work in helping neighborhood leaders triumph over problems of poverty, crime, and substandard education.

“We look forward to working with the staff at the Woodson Center to transfer, describe, and preserve this outstanding collection of historically significant material,” said Mark S. Roosa, dean of Libraries at Pepperdine University. “The rich array of talks, public appearances, and community-based content the collection contains will offer endless possibilities for student learning and scholarly inquiry.”

The relationship between Bob Woodson and Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy dates back to when the University founded the School of Public Policy in 1997, when Mr. Woodson was invited to be the first public speaker. Since then, he has returned to Pepperdine on multiple occasions to equip the next generation of civic leaders. 

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 College of Health Science, and four graduate schools—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.

 

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