Give to the School of Public Policy

You Can Make a Difference

With the support and partnership of its benefactors, the commitment of faculty and administration, and diligent adherence to Pepperdine's mission of scholarship and service, the School of Public Policy has become a vital laboratory for policy education and leadership in the United States and throughout the world.

Our Unique Founding

The Pepperdine School of Public Policy was founded almost two decades ago by noted scholars and leaders like James Q. Wilson, Jack Kemp, Michael Novak, and others as a response to what was being offered on America's policy school landscape. While many programs offer a technocratic approach to policy development, we invite students to consider the multiple dimensions that affect actual policy implementation, offering a comprehensive curriculum ground in both policy analysis and an exceptional understanding of policy's moral and distinctly American elements--cultural, historical, and constitutional.

James R. Wilburn Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The James R. Wilburn Endowed Scholarship celebrates the life and work of SPP's founding dean, and one of Pepperdine's most distinguished leaders over a nearly 50-year career at the University including roles as founding dean of the School of Public Policy, dean of the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, provost and chief operating officer, and vice president for university affairs. Wilburn was a Church of Christ minister and author of numerous books on American history, business management, and the relationship between faith and public policy. His most recent book was entitled Character and the Future of the American University: A Pathway Forward with James Q. Wilson’s Moral Sense was published in 2023. The Wilburn Scholarship will support students in high academic standing, and will be designated following review by the dean and the Office of Student Services.

Public Policy Dean's Excellence Fund

Gifts to the Dean's Excellence Fund allows the school to host events like the Trinity Forum's Moral Sense in Politics & Policy Lecture Series; bring out speakers like Stephen Goldsmith, Margarita Mooney, Dr. Patrick Deneen, and others; welcome groups of prospective students to campus through our Pepperdine Policy Partners Program (P4) from organizations like PPIA, ISI, and others; and support students and faculty needing funds to attend conferences and research symposia.
Large Gift Opportunity: Named/Endowed SPP Dean's Excellence Fund Gift (Inquire with Dean Peterson: 310.506.8054 or email Pete.N.Peterson@Pepperdine.edu.)

Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership

The Davenport Institute promotes public engagement and participation in local government decision-making to build stronger communities, increase confidence in the democratic process, and produce better public policy. The Institute offers training in public engagement, smart communities, and a series of customizable options that are tailored to the unique needs of the organizations we work with. Thought leadership is also an essential part of the Institute’s work, as represented in research, case studies, articles, and webinars. The Institute convenes with individuals and organizations committed to improving local government, featuring a City Manager in Residence Program, Mayor in Residence Program, and an ICMA student chapter. Finally, the Davenport Institute works with students at the School of Public Policy, developing their understanding of policymaking at the local level and imprinting our conviction that policy begins with people.

Ted V. McAllister Endowed Scholarship

The Ted V. McAllister Endowed Scholarship was created to honor the legacy of one of the School of Public Policy's founding faculty.  An innovator in the classroom, McAllister was a two-time recipient of the Howard A. White Award for Teaching Excellence and a respected scholar who authored Character in the American Experience: An Unruly People with Bruce Frohnen (2023); Coming Home: Reclaiming America’s Conservative Soul also with Frohnen; Why Place Matters: Geography, Identity, and Civic Life in Modern America with Bill McClay; Revolt Against Modernity: Leo Strauss, Eric Voegelin, and the Search for a Post-Liberal Order; and numerous book chapters and reviews. McAllister was known as a courageous defender of principles and a relentless seeker of truth that was beloved by students and alumni alike.

Bruce Herschensohn Endowed Scholarship

A member of the School of Public Policy's "Founding Faculty" in the 1998 academic year, Bruce Herschensohn should be considered one of our program's "Founding Fathers." Herschensohn has been involved with teaching our graduate students since that first year through 2020 when he gave a riveting presentation on the protests in Hong Kong. More than a teacher, Herschensohn was a true mentor to many of our students, and a friend to the school, who often led "friend-raising" efforts through his popular foreign policy roundtables. Herschensohn maintained decades' long relationships with students who have gone on to incredible careers in public policy and politics. With Herschensohn's passing, the opportunity now exists to engage and support our next generation of public leaders through an endowed scholarship program in his name. Through the Bruce Herschensohn Scholarship Program, future generations of leaders will learn about Herschensohn while offering his many friends and former students the opportunity to carry on his legacy.

Public Policy Scholarships

The Pepperdine University School of Public Policy awards a number of public policy scholarships to students each year. These awards are made available through endowed funds, gifts from supporters and alumni, and allocation of University general funds. The Scholarship Committee awards scholarships based on merit, need, academic and professional experience, as well as standardized test scores. Scholarship funds allow us to support students, but they can also be a way you can help us target students from specific backgrounds. Consider a named/endowed scholarship with a larger gift by contacting Kevin Royse at Kevin.Royse@pepperdin.edu.

Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund was created so that all students can continue to receive the instruction, support, and access to opportunities they deserve in serious times of need both personal and financial. With the support of our community, this fund has been able to steward our students through a variety of crises. Now more than ever, our students stand in need of your support. Please consider joining Pepperdine's School of Public Policy in shepherding students through difficult times by making a gift to our Student Emergency Fund. Your support will ensure that our community gets through crisis together.

Conservative Leader Scholarship Fund

The Conservative Leader Scholarship Fund was established to provide tuition support for future conservative leaders who are enrolled in the School of Public Policy. This scholarship was established by Maureen Grace, School of Public Policy Board of Advisor in Spring of 2022. Recipients of this scholarship must demonstrate commitment to America’s founding principles, the free market, servant leadership, and limited government.