Meet the Staff
The School of Public Policy staff are dedicated to serving the needs of students in a variety of areas. These administrative staff with extensive experience at Pepperdine, broad exposure to policy and student service, and exceptional commitment to the mission and success of the school are identified below with job functions and service areas.
Administrative Staff
![Pete Peterson - Pepperdine University](/about/images/pete-peterson550x355.jpg)
Dean, Braun Family Dean's Chair
Senior Fellow, Davenport Institute
- Administration and Faculty
- Development and Strategic Planning
- Consulting/Training, Public Engagement Skills
- Training, Online Engagement
- Writing/Speaking, Public Engagement
![Sheryl Covey - Pepperdine University](/about/images/sheryl-covey-new550x355.png)
Assistant Dean for Administration
- Academic Affairs
- Administrative Services
- Budget Management
- Information Technology
- Policies and Procedures
- Student Affairs
![Pooja Di Giovanna - Pepperdine University](/about/images/pooja-digiovanna-550x355.jpg)
Assistant Director for Professional Education
Davenport Institute
- Davenport Institute Communications
- Strategic Partnerships
- Professional Development
- Professional Certificates
- Research and Writing
![Lee Eksteen](/about/images/lee_eksteen-headshot.png)
Admissions and Office Manager
- Admissions
- Administrative Services
- Enrollment Management
- Recruitment Initiatives & Programs
- Tours and Visits
![Melissa Espinoza](/about/images/melissa-espinoza2019-550x355.png)
Director of Strategic Initiatives
and Student Engagement
- Communication and Marketing
- Donor and External Relations
- Events
- Graduate Assistants
- Student Affairs
- Student Development & Programming
- Student Organizations
![Lynda Havard - Pepperdine University](/about/images/lynda-havard55x355.jpg)
Administrative Coordinator
Advancement/Davenport Institute
- Administrative Services
- Board of Advisors
- Community Affairs
- Donor Relations
- Events
![CJ Jones - Pepperdine School of Public Policy](/about/images/cj-jones2021.jpg)
Senior Director of Student Services
- Academic Advising
- Academic Tutors
- Enrollment Management
- Financial Aid
- Recruitment/Admissions
- Student Affairs
![Emily Milnes - Pepperdine School of Public Policy](/about/images/emily-milnes550x355.png)
Director of Recruitment and Program Relations
- Admissions and Recruitment
- Enrollment Management
- Program Relations
- Public Engagement
- Strategic Partnerships
- Writing/Speaking
![Lena Pacifici](/about/images/lena-image-updated.png)
Manager of Marketing and Communication
- Communication and Marketing
- Community Relations
- Creative Services
- Media Advisor/Public Relations
- Social Media
- Web Design
![Karin Taylor - Pepperdine School of Public Policy](/about/images/25-anniversary/karin-taylor-headshot-updated.jpg)
Assistant Director of Career Services
- Career Coaching and Guidance
- Employer Relations
- Internship Management
- Professional Development
- Alumni Relations
![Maureen Tobin](/about/images/maureen-tobin550x355.jpg)
Executive Director, Davenport Institute
- Davenport Institute Administration
- External Relations
- Research & Writing
- Speaking & Training
- Program Development
![James Wilburn- Pepperdine School of Public Policy](/about/images/james-wilburn550x355.jpg)
Dean Emeritus
- Advancement
- Development
- External Relations
- Instruction
- Research