Pepperdine University Executive and Leadership Team

James Gash, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Pepperdine University, directs the overarching strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the university's commitment to higher education and graduate programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between faculty research, student development, and institutional values. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with the Board of Regents and external stakeholders to secure long-term growth. By championing innovation in curriculum design, James Gash drives the university toward greater national prominence. Gash maintains a focus on expanding the reach of graduate programs across diverse markets, ensuring that the institution remains a leader in values-based education. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the President & Chief Executive Officer sustains the financial and cultural health of the university, ultimately positioning the institution for continued success in the competitive landscape of higher education.

Greg Ramirez, the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the institution. Overseeing the allocation of capital resources and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial operations support the university's mission of providing high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs. This role involves coordinating with the Board of Regents to maintain transparency and fiscal responsibility across all departments. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, Greg Ramirez strengthens the university's ability to invest in campus infrastructure and academic initiatives. Ramirez monitors economic trends to mitigate risks, ensuring that the institution remains resilient in a fluctuating market. Through precise financial modeling and strategic resource management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to advance the university's academic goals, ultimately fostering an environment where students and faculty thrive through stable and well-supported institutional resources.

Katelyn Crowe, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer at Pepperdine University, provides critical analytical support for the university's financial planning and resource allocation strategies. Overseeing the evaluation of budgetary proposals and fiscal performance metrics, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial decisions align with the institution's long-term academic objectives. This role involves conducting deep-dive research into market trends and operational costs to assist the Chief Financial Officer in making data-driven decisions. By facilitating communication between departments and the finance office, Katelyn Crowe improves the accuracy of financial reporting and forecasting. Crowe identifies opportunities for cost-saving measures that do not compromise the quality of graduate programs or student services. Through meticulous attention to detail and strategic foresight, the Advisor To the Chief Financial Officer strengthens the university's fiscal foundation, ensuring that resources are directed toward initiatives that maximize institutional impact and student success.

Gary Hanson, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at Pepperdine University, manages the daily operational functions and campus infrastructure that support the university's academic mission. Overseeing facilities management, human resources, and auxiliary services, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the physical and administrative environment remains conducive to learning and research. This role involves coordinating with other C-suite leaders to implement policies that enhance operational efficiency and campus safety. By directing large-scale projects related to campus development and maintenance, Gary Hanson sustains the university's reputation for excellence. Hanson monitors operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that all support services align with the institution's strategic goals. Through the effective management of personnel and physical assets, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer provides the necessary foundation for the university to deliver high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs to a diverse student population.

Andrew Benton, the President at Pepperdine University, provides historical perspective and strategic guidance to the university's leadership team. Overseeing the preservation of the institution's core values and long-term mission, the President ensures that current initiatives remain consistent with the university's founding principles. This role involves engaging with alumni and donors to secure the resources necessary for the continued growth of graduate and undergraduate programs. By mentoring emerging leaders within the administration, Andrew Benton fosters a culture of service and academic excellence. Benton contributes to the development of long-term institutional strategies that address the evolving landscape of higher education. Through the promotion of the university's unique identity and commitment to values-based learning, the President strengthens the institution's reputation. By providing continuity and wisdom, the President supports the university's ongoing success, ensuring that the institution remains a beacon of academic and moral development for future generations.

Abigail Meng, the Let's Argue President at Pepperdine University, directs the activities and strategic focus of the university's debate and discourse-oriented student organization. Overseeing the planning of competitive events and public forums, the Let's Argue President ensures that students have opportunities to engage in rigorous intellectual exchange. This role involves coordinating with faculty advisors to align debate topics with the university's academic mission and values. By fostering an environment of respectful disagreement and critical thinking, Abigail Meng enhances the student experience and promotes the development of communication skills. Meng manages the organization's resources and outreach efforts to increase participation across various graduate and undergraduate programs. Through the facilitation of structured debates, the Let's Argue President contributes to the university's commitment to academic excellence, ensuring that students are prepared to engage thoughtfully with complex issues in their future professional and personal lives.

Ava Fritzel, the Panhellenic President at Pepperdine University, leads the governing body for the university's sorority community, focusing on leadership development and community service. Overseeing the coordination of recruitment processes and inter-chapter relations, the Panhellenic President ensures that all sororities adhere to the university's standards of conduct and values. This role involves collaborating with student affairs to promote a positive campus culture that supports the academic success of all members. By organizing philanthropic initiatives and leadership workshops, Ava Fritzel encourages students to engage in service-oriented activities that align with the university's mission. Fritzel manages the communication between the Panhellenic council and the university administration to ensure that student needs are addressed effectively. Through the promotion of unity and personal growth, the Panhellenic President contributes to the university's vibrant campus life, ensuring that students develop the leadership skills necessary to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

Johnathan See, the Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the university's academic and administrative operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning management systems and secure data networks, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools required for modern research and instruction. This role involves collaborating with academic leadership to implement digital solutions that enhance the educational experience across all graduate programs. By prioritizing cybersecurity and data integrity, Johnathan See protects the university's intellectual assets and sensitive information. See drives the adoption of emerging technologies to streamline administrative workflows, increasing overall institutional efficiency. Through the strategic deployment of cloud-based services and robust network architecture, the Chief Information Officer supports the university's mission, ensuring that technological capabilities remain aligned with the evolving needs of a global student body and faculty.

Danny DeWalt, the Vice President & Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University, coordinates the executive office's strategic initiatives and facilitates communication across the university's leadership team. Overseeing the implementation of presidential priorities, the Vice President & Chief of Staff ensures that institutional goals are executed with precision and alignment. This role involves managing high-level projects that bridge the gap between academic departments and administrative functions. By streamlining the decision-making process, Danny DeWalt enables the leadership team to respond effectively to emerging challenges in higher education. DeWalt fosters collaboration among various stakeholders, ensuring that the university's mission remains the central focus of all administrative activities. Through the management of executive communications and strategic planning, the Vice President & Chief of Staff supports the university's growth, ensuring that the institution maintains its commitment to academic excellence and values-based education while navigating the complexities of modern university administration.

Kevin Phan, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer at Pepperdine University, manages the implementation of specialized digital tools and software solutions that enhance the university's academic delivery. Overseeing the deployment of classroom technology and student-facing digital platforms, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer ensures that the technological environment supports the specific needs of graduate and undergraduate programs. This role involves working closely with faculty to integrate innovative software into the curriculum, thereby improving student engagement and learning outcomes. By focusing on the user experience of digital systems, Kevin Phan drives the adoption of intuitive technology across the campus. Phan monitors system performance and reliability to ensure that all digital resources remain accessible and secure. Through the strategic management of technical teams and software projects, the Senior Associate Chief Information Officer contributes to the university's mission by providing the digital infrastructure necessary for academic success in a modern, connected world.