Our History: Intentionally Different
“Pepperdine University recognizes an emerging need for a new School of Public Policy that will take a fresh, innovative, and student-centered approach to this increasingly important, interdisciplinary field. The Pepperdine School of Public Policy will be built on a distinctive philosophy that will impact the study and application of public policy.” – June 1995 “Conceptual Plan / Pepperdine University School of Public Policy”
From the beginning, the School of Public Policy was meant to be different—a response to the many graduate policy programs prioritizing government (usually federal) approaches to public problem-solving. This required a distinctive curriculum, which highlighted America’s exceptional role in human history, including its emphasis on civil society and citizen participation in the formation of public policy. It also required more of a leadership-focused course structure, mixing coursework in Constitutional history and political philosophy with analytical coursework in economics and policy evaluation.
Moreover, as one of the very few programs of its kind based at a Christian university,
SPP’s founders saw an important opportunity to teach and highlight the role people
of faith have and continue to play in addressing a myriad of public challenges. As
SPP’s founding dean, Dr. James Wilburn, noted in a Los Angeles Times’ essay about
the new program in 1997, “A renewal of public policy should recognize that all the
intermediary institutions that thrive in the space between the central government
in Washington, DC, and the daily concerns of each solitary individual—our nonprofit
associations; our churches, synagogues, and mosques; our families; and even the private
commercial sector of labor and business associations—are equally critical as creators
and implementers of public policy.”
Pepperdine School of Public Policy Timeline
2016-Present
Establish the Washington, DC Policy Scholars program allowing applicants to enroll in four-week seminars from top scholars on topics of religion in public policy and humanizing education policy.
Launch a project on the future of conservatism, designed to propel innovative ideas for reimagining the future of the conservative movement called the American Project.
Partner with the top-ranked Dispute Resolution program from Caruso School of Law to offer new specialization.
Selected as a “Founding Member” of the Public Interest Technology-University Network—an association of 40+ academic institutions exploring the intersection of government, technology, and the public interest.
Ross Douthat, "New York Times" columnist speaks at Washington, DC, event on “The Decadent Society.”
Announce partnership with 2U’s affiliate Keypath to offer the school's first-ever online degree program as a Master of Public Policy and Leadership and stackable certificates.
2011-2015
Natan Sharanksy at the Ronald Reagan Library leads a lecture on Faith and Ronald Reagan as part of the Reagan Foundation’s Centennial Celebration.
"Why Place Matters: Moving from Theory to Practice" conference explored challenges policymakers face in building infrastructure for healthy communities.
Karen Elliot House is named the William E. Simon Visiting Professor teaching a course on the same topic.
James Q. Wilson conference, “Character and the Moral Sense: James Q. Wilson and the Future of Public Policy.”
An Evening Conversation with Joseph Loconte, associate professor of history, The King's College, New York, in partnership with The Trinity Forum.
2006-2010
MPP program capstone project in New Orleans related to the emergency support in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina served as a service and educational experience for graduating students.
The School of Public Policy celebrated its 10th anniversary with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.
The inaugural volume of the "Pepperdine Policy Review," a student-run journal that showcases the best scholarly work of School of Public Policy students is released.
Victor Davis Hanson, William E. Simon Distinguished Visiting Professor, presents “Political Challenges Facing the Obama Administration,” lecture.
Through a creative partnership with the bipartisan nonprofit, Common Sense California, SPP launched the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, soon to become America's leading academic institution focused on public engagement in local policy decisions.
2001-2005
The first Board of Visitors meeting is held, His Majesty Reza II, elder son of the late Shah of Iran, lectures on “Iran: Winds of Change,” and Visionary Leaders in Extraordinary Times, the fourth conference on “Faith and Public Policy” is held.
One of the most comprehensive studies ever undertaken on ethnic diversity in the San Fernando Valley, "Rewarding Ambition: Latinos, Housing, and the Future of California," is released with senior advisors and fellows Joel Kotkin, Thomas Tseng, and Erika Ozuna (MPP ‘02).
Pepperdine dedicates the Drescher Campus and dedicates the Braun Center at the School of Public Policy with a lecture from philanthropist Ted Forstmann.
William E. Simon, Jr., co-founder of William E. Simon & Sons speaks. "The Faith and Public Policy series presents, Immigrant, Religious Congregations, and the Civil Society" conference and research study by fellow Gregory Rodriguez, Dean Emeritus James R. Wilburn, and Karen Speicher (MPP ’03).
Associate Professor Angela Hawken takes six SPP students to Georgia to study education reform, national security, displaced people, and illicit drug trafficking as part of rebuilding the country.
1996-2000
Davenport Institute for Public Policy is formed to honor Pepperdine University President David Davenport through a gift from the Flora L. Thornton Foundation. The Institute was designed to build stronger communities in California by promoting public participation in local governance.
On August 25, 1997, the SPP, the first new school to be initiated by Pepperdine in 25 years, welcomed its first cohort of Master of Public Policy students. Former leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, met with the inaugural class to discuss leadership and controversial economic reforms.
Dr. James R. Wilburn is named the founding dean and the school hosts its first Religion and Public Policy national conference with Steve Forbes, James Q. Wilson, and John DiIulio.
James Q. Wilson is named the Ronald Reagan Professor of Public Policy and the MBA/MPP joint degree program is approved with the business school and the MDR/MPP joint degree program is approved with the law school.
Bruce Herschensohn named John M. Olin Visiting Professor presents “Leadership & Foreign Policy in the 21st Century,” a lecture in honor of the inauguration of Pepperdine President Andrew K. Benton