Pepperdine School of Public Policy Establishes the Bob and Jane Bland Endowed Scholarship
The Pepperdine School of Public Policy (SPP) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Bob and Jane Bland Pepperdine School of Public Policy Endowed Scholarship. This $100,000 gift, generously committed by alumni and friends Robert "Bob" and Jane Bland, will support students pursuing careers in local government and municipal leadership.
Robert Bland (‘73), a lifelong academic and public servant, is the endowed professor emeritus of Public Administration at the University of North Texas. This spring, he returned to his roots as a visiting faculty member at SPP, teaching a specialized seminar on regional policy and the intricacies of budgeting for local governments and nonprofits. The course emphasized practical financial models at the management level and included deep engagement with the City of Malibu, with students delivering final presentations at Malibu City Hall.
"Fifty-three years ago, Jane and I were students here at Pepperdine. Thanks to the university’s dedicated faculty, I not only earned my degree but also found a fulfilling career in public service,” said Bob Bland. “This spring, Dean Peterson gave me the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for this noble profession with SPP students. This gift is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to a great university that has been an immeasurable blessing in our lives."
Beyond the classroom, Bland has served as a strategic advisor to Pete Peterson, Dean of the School of Public Policy. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping pragmatic strategies for new local government leadership certificate programs and expanded degree offerings.
"Having Bob here this semester has been a blessing for our students and for me," noted Dean Peterson. "His love of what makes Pepperdine unique, his incredible academic background, and his always positive attitude have been immensely helpful as we consider new local government programs."
The Bob and Jane Bland Endowment joins a growing list of scholarships designed to make a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree accessible to high-achieving candidates. The fund specifically targets future leaders dedicated to implementing analytical, value-based solutions across local government.