Meet the Staff
Jeff Walling
Director, Youth Leadership Initiative
For more than 20 years, Jeff Walling has been speaking before thousands each year in inspirational and motivational workshops and seminars across the globe. Having preached for some of the largest churches in the country, he is regularly called on to keynote for youth conferences.
Prior to joining Pepperdine, Walling served as the preaching minister of the Providence Road Church of Christ in Charlotte, North Carolina since 1997. He also served churches in Orange County, California, for over 20 years.
Jeff serves as Pepperdine's Director of the Youth Leadership Initiative, working to raise up the next generation of young Christian leaders. Jeff and his wife Cathryn have three married sons: Taylor and Courtney, with children Finn and Imogen; Riley and Megan; Spencer and Gabby.
Rachel Higgins
Program Coordinator, Youth Leadership Initiative
Rachel Higgins grew up in the small town of Camas, Washington. While a Pacific Northwest local at heart, Malibu has become a second home to her. She graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Nonprofit Management. As a student, Rachel sang in Pepperdine's Christian A cappella group, Won by One.
Rachel serves as the Program Coordinator for the Youth Leadership Initiative and is passionate about raising up the next generation of Christian Leaders.