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Pepperdine | School of Public Policy

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
Pete Peterson (MPP '07)

Dean,
Braun Family Dean's Chair
Senior Fellow, Davenport Institute

310.506.8054

Email Pete Peterson

Pete Peterson's Full Bio

  • Administration and Faculty
  • Development and Strategic Planning
  • Consulting/Training, Public Engagement Skills
  • Training, Online Engagement
  • Writing/Speaking, Public Engagement
Sheryl Covey - Pepperdine University
Sheryl Covey (MDR '20)

Assistant Dean for Administration

310.506.7470

Email Sheryl Covey

  • Academic Affairs
  • Administrative Services
  • Budget Management
  • Information Technology
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Student Affairs
Pooja Di Giovanna - Pepperdine University
Pooja Di Giovanna

Assistant Director for Professional Education
Davenport Institute

310.506.4052

Email Pooja Di Giovanna

  • Davenport Institute Communications
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Professional Development
  • Professional Certificates
  • Research & Writing
Melissa Espinoza
Melissa Espinoza

Director of Strategic Initiatives
and Student Engagement 

310.506.7686

Email Melissa Espinoza

  • Communication and Marketing
  • Donor and External Relations
  • Events
  • Graduate Assistants
  • Student Affairs
  • Student Development & Programming
  • Student Organizations
Lynda Havard - Pepperdine University
Lynda Havard

Administrative Coordinator
Advancement/Davenport Institute

310.506.6803

Email Lynda Havard

  • Administrative Services
  • Community Affairs
  • Donor Relations
  • Events
CJ Jones - Pepperdine School of Public Policy
CJ Jones

Senior Director of Student Services

310.506.7369

Email CJ Jones

  • Academic Advising
  • Academic Tutors
  • Enrollment Management
  • Financial Aid
  • Recruitment/Admissions
  • Student Affairs
Emily Milnes - Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Emily Milnes (MPP '21)

Director of Recruitment and Program Relations

310.506.7492

Email Emily Milnes

  • Admissions and Recruitment
  • Enrollment Management
  • Program Relations
  • Public Engagement
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Writing/Speaking
Lena Pacifici - Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Lena Pacifici

Manager of Marketing and Communication

310.506.7497

Email Lena Pacifici

  • Communication and Marketing
  • Community Relations
  • Creative Services
  • Media Advisor/Public Relations
  • Web and Social Media
Michael Shires - Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Michael Shires

Vice Dean for Strategy and Online Programs

310.506.7692

Email Michael Shires

Michael Shires' Full Bio

  • Institutional and Curriculum Design
  • Online Programs
  • Program Collaboration
  • Public Policy and Public Affairs
  • Public Speaking
  • Strategic Planning & Assessment
Karin Taylor - Pepperdine School of Public Policy
Karin Taylor (MS '02)

Office Manager

310.506.4775

Email Karin Taylor

  • Academic Affairs
  • Administrative Services
  • Faculty Support
  • Information Technology
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Project Management
Maureen Tobin
Maureen Tobin

Executive Director, Davenport Institute

310.506.6878

Email Maureen Tobin

  • Davenport Institute Administration
  • External Relations
  • Research & Writing
  • Speaking & Training
  • Program Development
James Wilburn- Pepperdine School of Public Policy
James Wilburn

Dean Emeritus

310.506.7490

Email James Wilburn

  • Advancement and Development
  • External Relations
  • Instruction
  • Research
Tyler Wiley
Tyler Wiley (MPP '22)

Interim Assistant Director of Career Services

310.506.7488

Email Tyler Wiley

  • Alumni Career Engagement
  • Ask-An-Alum Career Series
  • Career Coaching and Guidance
  • Employer Relations
  • Internship Management
  • Professional Development
Lisa Winkelman Gonzalez
Lisa Winkelman Gonzalez

Admissions and Office Manager

310.506.7572

Email Lisa Winkelman Gonzalez

  • Admissions
  • Administrative Services
  • Enrollment Management
  • Recruitment Initiatives & Programs
  • Tours and Visits