Pepperdine University Announces Farzin Madjidi as Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology

May 22, 2023 – Malibu, CA – Farzin Madjidi (MBA ’88, EdD ’91), who has served as the interim dean of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) since August 2022, has been named the dean of the school. Madjidi will assume his new role August 1, 2023.

“Dr. Madjidi’s commitment to equipping our students for exceptional service to their community has been evident since the beginning of his Pepperdine career,” says president Jim Gash (JD ’93). “I look forward to his leadership in empowering the important work of GSEP faculty, staff, and students and his scholarly influence on the future of education and psychology—two disciplines that are critical to the advancement of society.”

Madjidi has served at GSEP as an educator and a scholar in the areas of leadership effectiveness in public and nonprofit organizations, economic policy, and learning design and technology. A dedicated and highly effective member of the GSEP administration, he served as the associate dean of the school’s Education Division for six years. During his tenure as interim dean, Madjidi facilitated GSEP’s return to on-campus, in-person instruction following the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to support the school’s online education and psychology master’s programs.

“Throughout his time at Pepperdine, Dr. Madjidi has been a celebrated teacher and scholar who invests deeply in our students,” says provost Jay Brewster. “In a time of rapid change in higher education, I am excited by his informed and innovative vision for GSEP.”

Madjidi has been a longtime member of the Pepperdine community, beginning with his graduate training that culminated in a master of business administration in management from the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and a doctor of education in institutional management from GSEP. He also holds a bachelor of science in engineering and a master of science in structural engineering and applied dynamics from California State University, Northridge. Following his graduate work at Pepperdine, Madjidi served on the faculty of the Graziadio Business School for three years before joining the GSEP faculty in 1997. 
  
Madjidi’s exceptional teaching was recognized in 2005 and 2013 with the Howard A. White Award for Teaching Excellence, Pepperdine University’s highest honor bestowed on faculty committed to the University’s mission. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and diversity, which was recognized by the California Diversity Council’s DiversityFIRST Award in 2009. He has been committed to promoting and supporting Christ-centered belonging at GSEP. Beyond Pepperdine, Madjidi serves as a leadership training and effectiveness consultant and coach to executives and emerging leaders at companies such as British Petroleum, FedEx, AT&T, Kaiser Permanente, Hyundai USA, and Universal Music Group, among others.  

Madjidi credits his success to his faith and his family, which includes Betty, his wife of 40 years; daughter, Mahru (’09, JD ’13); and son, Bobby (’11). He has been a member of the Culver Palms Church of Christ since 1996. 

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.

 

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