Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology

09/02/2026

An ordinary cardboard box can hold an entire universe.

In Box of Impossible Pets, a new picture book by Pepperdine GSEP alumna Caro Kay (MA in Teaching ’21), Ruby and Orlando discover what happens when their drawings magically come to life.

The story was inspired by Kay’s daughter and her friend, who transformed a refrigerator box into pirate ships, spaceships, stores, and imaginary animals. Drawing on her experience as an educator, Kay created a story that encourages children to stay curious, play creatively, and believe in the power of their ideas.

“Sometimes all a child needs are a cardboard box and crayons and to be left alone. Stand back and watch their curiosity and imagination take over.”

Discover how Kay’s Pepperdine education connects her work in children’s publishing, teaching, communication, and climate resilience: https://bit.ly/4gDHD0c

Box of Impossible Pets is scheduled for release on September 22, 2026: https://bit.ly/4gy4KKY Di Angelo Publications

Boxofimpossiblepets

When Ruby and Orlando draw on a giant cardboard box, their creations come to life! A roaring lion, a tumbling panda, and a singing baby whale leap into their garden. But wild wonders aren’t meant to be kept. This magical, imagination-filled picture book celebrates creativity, friendship, and the g...

08/28/2026

What if the most important part of a trip is what happens after you come home?

For Pepperdine alumnus Michael Bennett (MBA ’06, EdD ’12), meaningful travel isn’t about fitting more activities into an itinerary. It’s about slowing down, connecting with local people, and creating space to reflect on what you experience.

Through Explorer X, the company he co-founded, Bennett applies insights from his doctoral research to help travelers approach the world with greater intention. The company also supports local guides, family-owned accommodations, and community members in each destination.

Read how Bennett turned his Pepperdine experience into a purpose-driven career—and why he believes travelers themselves create the real transformation: https://bit.ly/4gq09dG

Pepperdine alumnus Michael Bennett, EdD '12, co-founder and CEO of Explorer X, draws on his doctoral research to create meaningful travel experiences rooted in reflection, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

08/21/2026

Reflect. Connect. Design what’s next.

At GSEP’s 7th Annual Career Designing Retreat, 21 incoming students gathered at Pepperdine’s Malibu campus for three days of vocational reflection, career exploration, and community building.

Through mindfulness, career journaling, CliftonStrengths exploration, and the “Tree of Life” activity, students considered how their experiences and talents connect to a greater purpose, while forming relationships to support their graduate journeys. 🌳

08/17/2026

Pepperdine alumna Dr. Antija Allen (MA ’04) has dedicated more than 20 years to teaching, research, advocacy, and building stronger communities.

Today, Allen is a tenured associate professor of psychology, CEO of Allen Ivy Prep Consulting, award-winning educator, author, and podcast host. She co-edited and contributed to We’re Not OK: Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies, a 2023 Choice Outstanding Academic Title, and co-hosts the podcast We’re Not OK: A Community of Healing.

Her latest accomplishment brought her to the TEDxFresno State stage with Justin T. Stewart for The power of saying “I’m not OK,” a conversation about honesty, empathy, and healing.

Allen says Pepperdine gave her “the perfect combination of theory and hands-on application” and prepared her to begin a career in psychology.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Allen and the impact she continues to make through education, scholarship, and service.

Watch her TEDx talk: https://bit.ly/4wMjZp2
Read more on Pepperdine Newsroom: https://bit.ly/3S6DBVV

How often do we answer "How are you?" with "I'm fine" without think...

08/13/2026

A new academic year doesn’t start on the first day of class✨

At our Career Designing Retreat on the Malibu campus, GSEP students took time to pause, reflect, connect with their community, and think intentionally about the year ahead.

Because preparing for what’s next isn’t just about checking off a to-do list. It’s about getting clear on where you’re going — and how you want to show up when you get there. Locking in with your purpose.

With a new semester just a few weeks away, we want to know: What are you doing now to set yourself up for the year ahead? 👇

07/31/2026

Congratulations to Pepperdine GSEP alumna Dr. Nikki Rubin (MAP '07, PsyD '11) on the launch of MindScience Collective!

After 18 months of development alongside four fellow psychologists, Nikki helped create a modern continuing education platform that equips mental health clinicians with practical, evidence-based training designed to strengthen their clinical skills.

Reflecting on her time at Pepperdine, Nikki shared, "The seeds of my desire to co-found MindScience Collective were cultivated at Pepperdine GSEP, and I will be forever grateful."

We're proud to celebrate alumni who are expanding access to high-quality mental health education and making a meaningful impact on the profession.

Read Nikki's story:

Newsroom story highlighting the accomplishments of Alumnus Nikki Rubin

06/30/2026

Pepperdine GSEP proudly celebrates alumnus Emmanuel Aguiar (MAEd ’08) on being named 2026 Distinguished Faculty of the Year at El Camino College.

As a faculty member in El Camino College’s Human Development Department, Emmanuel was recognized for his dedication to equity-minded teaching, student success, and creating supportive learning environments for his students.

Emmanuel credits his Pepperdine education with helping shape the teaching philosophy that guides his work today, sharing that the foundations he gained in lesson planning, trauma-informed care, and building intentional community continue to influence both his classroom instruction and counseling practice.

Congratulations, Emmanuel, on this outstanding achievement! We are proud to count you among our GSEP alumni.

Read his story: https://bit.ly/4b0qpIh

06/18/2026

Sixteen Pepperdine GSEP doctoral students gathered at the Malibu campus for the annual Waves of Progress Dissertation Writing Retreat, where they dedicated a weekend to focused writing, personalized coaching, alumni mentorship, and building community with fellow scholars.

From writing consultations and dissertation coaching to mindfulness sessions and library support, the retreat provided students with the resources and encouragement to move one step closer to completing their doctoral journeys.

Congratulations to all who participated!

06/15/2026

The Pepperdine community extends far beyond the classroom.

In a recent episode of The Dr. Random Podcast, GSEP doctoral student Dr. Sarah sits down with Pepperdine professor Dr. Zarik Boghossian for a conversation about resilience, innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and leading with kindness.

From helping develop software for the International Space Station to launching technology ventures, Dr. Boghossian shares lessons from a remarkable career and insights for anyone striving to make a positive impact.

🎙️ Listen to the episode here:

The Dr. Random podcast · Episode

05/14/2026

Pepperdine GSEP SEC students participated in this year’s Social Enterprise Collective in Los Angeles, joining leaders from nonprofit, business, government, and media sectors for a day of discussion and connection.

A key part of the event was the SEC Fast Pitch competition, where three MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change finalists presented ventures focused on mental health support, survivor resources, and community-centered innovation.

Experiences like this demonstrate how the SEC program connects classroom learning with real-world impact by engaging directly with professionals across fields.

Students in Pepperdine GSEP's MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change program presented ventures addressing mental health, survivor support, and community wellbeing during the SEC Fast Pitch competition in Los Angeles.