Pepperdine University Launches RISE Institute
MALIBU, Calif. – Pepperdine University announced today the launch of the RISE Institute, a visionary expansion of the RISE (Resilience-Informed Skills Education) program, designed to champion human flourishing and holistic well-being. Connie Horton, current Vice President for Student Affairs, will assume leadership of the new initiative as Vice Chancellor for the RISE Institute, effective July 1, 2025.
“The launch of the RISE Institute takes a defining strength of the Pepperdine student experience — resilience — and amplifies its impact to a global level,” said University President Jim Gash. “Through the work of the RISE program, we’ve seen firsthand how students grow in courage, character, and perseverance. Now, the institute allows us to extend this transformative initiative beyond our campus — to serve and strengthen communities around the world.”
The RISE program, launched in 2019, has become a cornerstone of the University’s commitment
to student success, blending evidence-based practices with community care to foster
resilience across all dimensions of student life. RISE seeks to build the physical,
social, cognitive, spiritual, service, and life skills of students by providing them
with building blocks to navigate difficulties.
In her new role, Horton will develop strategic efforts to expand the reach and impact of the RISE framework as a model for other schools, churches, faith communities, and organizations beyond Pepperdine.
“The RISE program has always been deeply personal to me,” said Horton. “It represents our collective commitment to helping students build the resilience they need to flourish both during their time at Pepperdine and throughout their lives. It’s not just students who need resilience, though; everyone does! I’m excited to continue to expand this important work in innovative ways so that Pepperdine RISE can help make a positive difference in other populations as well.”
To learn more about the RISE program, visit pepperdine.edu/rise.
About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown
Los Angeles in Malibu, California. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Pepperdine is
committed to both the relentless pursuit of truth through academic and scholarly excellence
and to embodying Christian faith and values. With students at the heart of the educational
enterprise, the University prepares approximately 9,000 scholars for lives of purpose,
service, and leadership 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.
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